50 days until 50 cent fares

• Today marks 50 days until Queenslanders will be able to travel on any Translink public transport service around the state for just 50 cents.
• 50 cent fares will be trialled for six months from Monday, August 5 on all modes of public transport across Translink’s networks.
• Queenslanders planning to use public transport for the first time during the trial are encouraged to visit the Translink website to find their best payment method and plan their journey in advance.

The countdown to the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland’s modern history is on with 50 days to go until 50 cent flat fares take effect.

The Miles Government will trial 50 cent public transport fares across the Translink network for six months from Monday, August 5.

During the trial Queenslanders will be able to travel on bus, train, ferry, tram, on demand services in South East Queensland, and all regional urban buses for just 50 cents.

Fares on Airtrain services will also be slashed to half-price for the same period, reducing fares to $10.95 when travelling from the city to Brisbane Airport and slashing worker tickets in half as well.

Public transport usage across all modes remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels, but Translink will monitor usage on all services during the trial to help inform future decisions on the cost of public transport fares and service levels.

Public transport users can also visit Translink’s Service Capacity Tracker to view a forecast of the space available on their service based on the day and time they are planning to travel.

More information on the six-month trial of 50 cent fares is also available on the Translink website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

"In 50 days, the Miles Government will trial Australia’s first-ever 50c fares for public transport.

“Whether it is going to save someone more than $100 per week on their work commute, or just a few dollars here and there, this trial means money will stay in the pockets of Queenslanders.

“It’s really important public transport users continue to tap on off during the trial as this provides Translink with valuable data on which services are busy and where people are travelling, which helps Translink plan an efficient and reliable public transport network.

“Whether you’re a frequent public transport user, a first timer, or coming back after a break, there has never been a better time to jump on-board.

“The rollout of Smart Ticketing is making it easier to pay for your journey, and the trial of 50c fares will make public transport more affordable.

“These investments and initiatives are designed to get more people onto public transport which will help to reduce congestion.

“The only mention of public transport in David Crisafulli’s budget reply speech was their $6.6 billion unfunded ‘promise’ to deliver Sunshine Coast Direct to Maroochydore by2032, which experts says is impossible.

“We know the LNP did not support the Northern Transitway and we know they sacked more than 2000 workers from TMR when they were last in government.

“The Miles Government backs public transport and we will continue to invest in new infrastructure and initiatives for Queenslanders.”

Fast facts:

• Public transport fares on all Translink networks across the state will be 50 cents from Monday, August 5.
• This includes South East Queensland trains (excluding Airtrain), Brisbane River ferries, Southern Moreton Bay Island Translink ferry services, Gold Coast trams and all Translink bus networks across the state.
• From Monday, August 5, Airtrain fares will be reduced to $10.95 for go card and Smart Ticketing users, and $11 for paper tickets when travelling to and from the Brisbane Airport.
• The 50 per cent reduction will also apply to Airtrain’s worker ticket products, which are sold separately to the Translink zonal fare. As a result, Airtrain’s Weekly Worker Ticket will reduce from $43 to $21.50, and the workers Book of 20 tickets will reduce from $120 to $60.
• Public transport users should continue to tap on and off during the trial with their existing payment method.
• New public transport users are encouraged to visit the Translink website to find out which payment options are available on their service.
• Head online to Translink’s journey planner, use the MyTranslink app or call the Translink Contact Centre on 13 12 30 to plan your journey.

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Mellish’s office – 0419 288 284