Brisbane public transport patronage has passed pre-COVID levels for the first time since the pandemic, with 50 cent fares luring back passengers.
More than 15 million trips were taken across South-East Queensland in the month since the reduced fares were introduced on August 5.
Premier Steven Miles said public transport users had saved more than $29 million over that time.
“The steady increase in patronage has seen pre-COVID patronage levels reached for the first time, with overall trips now 2.4 percent higher than the comparative pre-COVID period,” Premier Miles said.
He said the number of trips on the network was 14.5 percent higher than the comparative period last year, with ferries seeing the biggest increase at 40.6 percent.
Light rail was up 18.6 percent, rail 16 percent and buses 12.1 percent.
“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.”
Premier Miles said weekend trips have been between 30 and 40 percent above the pre-COVID period.
“I said 50 cent fares would be use it or lose it – and Queenslanders are using it.
“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.”
He said each trip represented a massive saving to commuters and huge confidence in our broader transport system.
