Miles plan to bust congestion: Public transport (almost) free

• New Premier Steven Miles will tempt drivers on to public transport by making it virtually free for 6 months.
• 50 cent fare will apply to all Translink public transport services right around the state, from 5 August 2024.
• Significantly reducing the cost of public transport will encourage more people to leave the car at home, busting road congestion.

The Miles Labor Government is leading the nation by delivering another massive cost of living relief initiative to Queensland commuters, and busting congestion.

From 5 August, the cost of all Translink public transport services will be slashed to 50 cents, no matter where you live or how far you travel.

Existing commuters stand to save thousands of dollars. If Queenslanders switch from driving the savings could be enormous.

Significantly reducing the cost barrier to public transport will encourage more people to leave the car at home, leading to a reduction in road congestion. 

A single bus takes 50 cars off the road and a train takes 600 cars off the road.

The initiative will be in place for six months.

Customers will still need to ‘tap on’ and ‘tap off’ for their journey using Smart Ticketing, a go card, or by purchasing a paper ticket, in order to access the reduced fare.

The Big Build is increasing capacity on the bus, rail and tram network as the population grows.

It’s expected this initiative will increase public transport patronage and reduce congestion on Queensland’s busy roads.

Public transport usage remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels.

The measure is due to have a disinflationary effect and will help to lower both transport CPI and inflation in Queensland through the second half of the year.

Quotes from Queensland Premier Steven Miles

“For someone catching the train to work in Brisbane from here in Mango Hill it costs up to $96* a week.

“And if you drive to work, you’re stuck in peak hour traffic every day and paying a lot more than that.

“It’s why I’m making all public transport fares a flat 50 cents – no matter where you live, your mode of travel, or how far you go.

It’s as close to free as you can get.

“From 5 August 2024, that same trip from Mango Hill to the City and back would only cost $5 for the whole week – that’s nearly $90* back in your pocket every week.

“I expect this will save Queenslanders thousands of dollars over six months, and encourage more people to catch our fast, frequent and 50 cent public transport.

“Encouraging more Queenslanders to jump on a bus or train to get to work or school will help bust congestion.  

“Queenslanders are doing it tough, but they can trust that my government is here to help and we’re doing what matters to Queensland.”

Quotes from Deputy Premier Cameron Dick

“We want to make public transport as affordable and attractive to Queenslanders as we possibly can.

“50 cent fares will mean savings you can see every day.

“We hope they will make a lot more people in the South-East consider using public transport for their daily commute, which reduces congestion for everyone.”

Quotes from Minister for Transport and Main Roads

“The Miles Government is providing critical cost of living relief to Queenslanders.

“This initiative will importantly mean money in the pockets of families across Queensland.

“We hope that it will provide a great opportunity for active transport. Walk from home to your nearest train or bus stop as you head out for a night at Howard Smith Wharves, Surfers Paradise, or the Valley for a fun evening with your mates.

“Enjoy a walk to the closet bus stop with your family and friends as you head out to school sporting activities, visiting grandparents, or a lovely Sunday picnic.

“We’ve got a growing state with more and more cars on our roads every day.

“This initiative is a great way to encourage more people to use public transport.”

Further information:

CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS

Concession holders currently receive 50 per cent off their fare.

During the initiative, concession holders will receive 50 cent fares as it is cheaper than the current concession rate.

SCHOOL TRAVEL FARES

School travel fares have an ongoing significant investment of $180 million per annum in the School Transport Assistance Scheme meaning many students already travel to school for free each day.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A “TRANSLINK PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE”

A Translink public transport service is one contracted by the government.

A list of the Translink services in your region can be found online.

50 cent fares will not apply to privately operated transport services.

Smart Ticketing is available on all rail, tram and Brisbane City Council ferry services.

Paper tickets can be purchased at fare machines at busway, train or tram stations and major interchanges as well a ticket office at train stations during opening hours.

go Cards can be purchased from a range of locations including go card online, selected retailers, by calling Translink on 13 12 30, many G:link and busway stations and at the ticket office at train stations during opening hours.

*Based on a paper ticket fare between Mango Hill train station and Central Train station, travelling twice per day, five days per week.

ENDS

COST SAVINGS FOR QUEENSLANDERS – EXAMPLES