Key Points
- Public transport fares will be reduced to 50c around Queensland for 5 August.
- The initiative is designed to reduce cost barriers and encourage more commuters to use public transport.
- The reduced fares will be in place for six months.
The Queensland government is reducing public transport fares to 50c for all travellers across the state, beginning on 5 August.
The reduced prices will apply for six months, and travellers will still need to tap on and off for their journey via Smart Ticketing, using a 'go card', or purchasing a ticket.
The initiative is designed to save commuters money and encourage more drivers to use public transport.
"For someone catching the train to work in Brisbane from here in Mango Hill it costs up to $96 a week," Premier Steven Miles said.
"And if you drive to work, you’re stuck in peak hour traffic every day and paying a lot more than that."
Miles said slashing public transport costs could save Queenslanders thousands of dollars during the cost of living crisis.
"I expect this will save Queenslanders thousands of dollars over six months, and encourage more people to catch our fast, frequent and 50 cent public transport," he said.
"Encouraging more Queenslanders to jump on a bus or train to get to work or school will help bust congestion."
Public transport usage in Queensland remains about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels.
The initiative is designed to reduce the cost barrier to public transport and motivate more drivers to leave their cars at home.
It is also designed to have a disinflationary effect, with the government projecting it will help lower the consumer price index for transport and inflation in the state through the second half of the year.
