November 30th 2024.
Great news for Queenslanders! The state government has officially announced that the popular 50-cent fares on public transport will now be a permanent policy. This was first introduced under the previous Labor government and has been a hit among commuters, with the cost of transportation significantly reduced across Translink networks.
During the state election campaign, Premier Crisafuli had promised to keep this policy in place, and true to his word, his government has now confirmed its permanency. This means that the cheap fares will continue to be available for all South East Queensland bus, train, tram, and ferry services. But that's not all - even the bus networks outside of this region will also remain affordable.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, expressed his excitement about this development, stating that it is a great day for all Queenslanders. He also gave credit to the public transport staff and operators for their support in successfully implementing the 50-cent fares. And it's not just the passengers who have benefited from this policy - according to data from Transport and Main Roads, there has been a significant increase in patronage on all forms of public transportation, resulting in an estimated $110 million in savings for commuters.
From August to October, there has been a 14.3% increase in bus ridership and a 17.9% increase in train trips. Even the Gold Coast Light Rail has seen a 22.1% increase in usage. Overall, since the implementation of this policy, there has been an 11% increase in the number of trips taken on public transport.
This is a clear indication that the 50-cent fares have been a huge success and have encouraged more people to use public transportation. Not only does this benefit the individuals who are saving money, but it also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road. So let's continue to enjoy these affordable fares and do our part in creating a greener and more sustainable future for Queensland.
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