Confirmation 50 cent public transport fares will remain in South-East Queensland has been announced alongside the latest patronage figures, which show a widespread increase across all forms of travel.
The State Government made the discounted fare permanent on all Translink services last week, at the same time revealing SEQ public transport patronage between August 5 and the end of October was up 5.1 percent on the same period pre-COVID.
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said there had been an increase of 16.7 percent, across all modes, on the same period in 2023.
He said, compared the same period last year, bus patronage had increased by 14.3 percent, train usage jumped by 17.9 percent, Gold Coast Light Rail trips grew by 22.1 percent and Brisbane river and Southern Moreton Bay Islands ferry use leapt by 43.9 percent.
“The initiative has driven an increase in public transport patronage across the state and helped keep money in the pockets of Queenslanders, with more than $110 million saved by public transport users since the start of 50 cent fares.
“Buses, trains, trams and ferries in SEQ have all carried more passengers since the start of 50 cent fares with regional bus networks also seeing an increase in passenger numbers.”
