Miles Doing What Matters: Public transport breaks records as commuters save $29 million in fares

• Miles Labor Government’s nation leading 50 cent fares trial has seen more people catching public transport than ever before.
• More than 15 million trips taken across SEQ during the first month.
• SEQ public transport patronage has passed pre-COVID levels by nearly 2.4 per cent.
• Savings in the first four weeks of the trial have soared past $29 million for South East Queenslanders.

South East Queensland (SEQ) public transport customers have backed the Miles Labor Government’s 50 cent fares, saving millions and pushing public transport patronage to record levels.

Across SEQ, fare savings have saved public transport users more than $29 million, putting the daily savings about just over $1 million.

As happy customers are benefitting from this windfall, public transport patronage has passed pre-COVID levels for the first time, with more than 15 million trips taken since 50 cent fares were introduced on August 5.

The steady increase in patronage has seen pre-COVID patronage levels reached for the first time, with overall trips now 2.4 per cent higher than the comparative pre-COVID period. 

The number of trips on the network is 14.5 per cent higher than a comparative period last year.

• Light Rail: 18.6 per cent higher than the same period last year
• Ferries: 40.6 per cent higher than the same period last year
• Buses: 12.1 per cent higher than the same period last year
• Rail: 16 per cent higher than the same period last year

We are seeing strong patronage growth on weekdays and very strong growth on weekends, as customers take advantage the 50 cent fares to ditch the car and explore their region in a cost effective way. 

Weekend trips have been between 30 and 40 per cent above the pre-COVID comparative period.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"I said 50 cent fares would be use it or lose it – and Queenslanders are using it.

“15 million trips have been taken representing a massive $29 million saved. That’s money Queenslanders can put towards the essentials or save for a rainy day.

“I’ve seen people tag me in their TikTok and Instagram videos about catching the train to work, or the ferry to Howard Smith Wharves for the first time.

“Each trip represents a massive saving to commuters and huge confidence in our broader transport system.

“I want to see this level of success continue as we power through the six-month trial.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

"We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network since the beginning of the trial.

"After just one month, public transport trips across SEQ have hit new highs, with pre-COVID levels now exceeded on bus, light rail and ferry. 

"Weekend trips have experienced a massive increase as customers take advantage of 50 cent fares to get out and about across the region."

ENDS