One week to go: All hands on deck ahead of 50 cent fares

• Peek behind the scenes on preparation works underway, ahead of 50 cent fares.
• Queensland Rail’s world class Rail Management Centre is the engine room of the South East Queensland Rail network – bringing train control, security and customer communications together.
• All Translink public transport fares will be a flat 50 cents from 5 August 2024, for six months.

Premier Steven Miles and Transport Minister Bart Mellish have today visited Queensland Rail’s Rail Management Centre– the engine room of the South East Queensland rail network.

It comes as Queensland counts down to the start of 50 cent fares in just one week.

More than 250 employees are based at the centre, including up to 80 on the operations floor.

These are the train controllers, security personnel, customer communications officers, engineers, timetabling and support staff that ensure the reliable delivery of train services day in, day out.

The Rail Management Centre, the Translink Operations Centre (TOC), and the Brisbane Metropolitan Transport Management Centre (BMTMC) will all keep a close eye on the public transport network during the 50 cent fare trial.

Queensland Rail has set up a special ‘engine room’ team based out of the Rail Management Centre to ensure the successful rollout of this trial.

Public transport patronage continues to track below pre-COVID levels and sits at about 87 per cent across the SEQ network.

A flat 50 cent fare will be in place for all Translink public transport services statewide from 5 August 2024 for a period of six months.

Travel will be 50 cents no matter how far you travel or the mode, including transfers between services.

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.

Translink estimates show someone travelling from the Gold Coast four days a week (eight trips) could save more than $2,100 over the six months.

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

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.

Additional buses and two trams will be available to respond to increased demand from Monday.

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

The Service Capacity Tracker was first launched in 2020 to help customers view predicted space on board services at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Translink has revamped the tool ahead of the start of 50 cent fares with the tracker based on historical patronage data and forecast changes in travel behaviour to give customers a more accurate insight into capacity availability, displayed in a traffic light system to make it easier for customers.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“With just one week to go, Queenslanders are ready to jump onboard for just 50 cents.

“Here at the Rail Management Centre, the teams are busy preparing operations ahead of Monday to ensure we are ready to respond to increased demand.

“I really hope my government’s landmark 50 cent fares trial gets people back on public transport, saves those who are already catching the bus or the train a bit of money, saves those who are driving a lot of money, and hopefully takes some cars off the road as well.

“Get your 50 cents ready – there’s not long to go.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

“This trial will deliver the cheapest public transport fares in the state’s modern history.

“It was great to visit the RMC to inspect the preparation for the trial and get a close look at the real-time monitoring QR uses to keep a close eye on the public transport network every day.

“We expect to see more people on the public transport network during the trial, but Queenslanders can rest assured we’ll be monitoring the network closely to ensure a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users.

“Shifting your travel by as little as 15 minutes, if you are able to, can make a big difference when it comes to seating and space availability on services.

“Whether it’s 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.”

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.

ENDS