Miles Doing What Matters: Commuters set to save $150 million thanks to 50 cent fares

• Miles Government landmark 50 cent fares initiative begins today.
• All Translink public transport fares right around Queensland now just 50 cents from today, for a period of six months.
• Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to about $11.
• The 50 cent fare trial is estimated to save commuters $150 million this financial year.

Queensland’s nation leading 50 cent fares trial has started today, Monday 5 August.

All Translink public transport services – including train, bus, tram, on demand transport and ferry – right around the state will now have a flat 50 cent fare, no matter how far you travel.

It’s expected the initiative will save commuters $150 million over the six month trial – putting money back in the pockets of Queenslanders when they need it most.

The major cost of living initiative is part of an over $11 billion package of savings and concessions delivered by the Miles Government.

It builds on $1,000 energy bill rebates for every Queensland household and a 20 per cent cut to rego.

Airtrain fares will also be cut in half from today, down to $10.95 for go card and Smart Ticketing users and $11 for paper ticket customers.

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.

More Queenslanders travelling by public transport will also help bust congestion, particularly across the South East.

Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Translink and Brisbane City Council will be working closely over the six month trial to monitor the impacts onboard and on our roads.

Customers are encouraged to plan their travel in advance using the Translink Journey Planner.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Today, all Queenslanders can take advantage of a flat 50 cent public transport fare, no matter how you travel or how far.

“It’s always struck me that we charge the people who travel the furthest the most, when those are likely the people who can least afford it.

“And, those are the long distance travellers that we want to get off our busy roads, like the M1 and Bruce Highway.

“It’s my hope that because of my government’s nation leading 50 cent fares we can recover to those pre-COVID patronage levels, while also reducing congestion and creating some new travel habits.

“Ultimately, this will save those who are already catching the bus or train a lot of money and save those who are driving even more.

“Your regular bus or train might be a little busier from today, but I want to assure Queenslanders that we will be keeping a close eye on our networks at every step.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“I am so proud to be a part of a Government that is implementing new and exciting strategies to help Queenslanders deal with national and global cost of living pressures.

“We know Queenslanders are feeling the pinch and I see that every day in my electorate and across the entire state.

“By making public transport fares are almost free, families will be able to pay their bills, put food on the table and provide for their families. “

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:  

“This is a monumental cost of living initiative by the Miles Labor Government.

“There is capacity on the public transport network, with current patronage sitting at around 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

“Translink, TMR and Queensland Rail have been working closely with all of our public transport providers, doing everything they can to make this trial run smoothly.

“Don’t forget to tap on and tap off if you are using a go card – and remember, be patient, be cool and be safe.”

ENDS