Updates
Plan to bust congestion: Public transport (almost) free
Queensland Government media release
The Queensland Government has announced further cost of living relief to Queensland commuters aimed at busting congestion.
From 5 August, the cost of all Translink public transport services will be slashed to 50 cents, no matter where you live or how far you travel.
Existing commuters stand to save thousands of dollars. If Queenslanders switch from driving the savings could be enormous.
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.
A single bus takes 50 cars off the road and a train takes 600 cars off the road.
The initiative will be in place for six months.
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.
The Big Build is increasing capacity on the bus, rail and tram network as the population grows.
It’s expected this initiative will increase public transport patronage and reduce congestion on Queensland’s busy roads.
Public transport usage remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels.
The measure is due to have a disinflationary effect and will help to lower both transport CPI and inflation in Queensland through the second half of the year.
Further information:
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.
*Based on a paper ticket fare between Mango Hill train station and Central Train station, travelling twice per day, five days per week.