By Guy Hazlewood

The Queensland Government has announced a significant reduction in public transport fares across the state.

Starting from August 5, 2024, Translink public transport services will cost just 50 cents for all trips, regardless of distance or mode of transport. 

Source: Will M/Pexel

This initiative will last for six months and is expected to bring substantial savings to commuters while encouraging more people to use public transport.

Residents in Forest Lake, Durack, and Inala stand to benefit significantly from this initiative. 

By reducing the financial burden of commuting, the government aims to make public transport a more attractive option for daily travel. 

These areas, which are often affected by heavy traffic, will see a potential decrease in road congestion as more residents opt for buses and trains over personal vehicles.

An average return trip on a bus and train from Forest Lake to Brisbane City Hall costs roughly $14, which totals up to $70 for an average work week.

The initiative is expected to not only ease financial pressures on Queensland families but also reduce road congestion significantly. 

A single bus can remove up to 50 cars from the road, while a train can take 600 cars off the road. 

By encouraging the use of public transport, the government hopes to alleviate the strain on Queensland’s busy road network.

Deputy Premier Cameron Dick highlighted the accessibility and affordability of the new fare structure. 

“We want to make public transport as affordable and attractive to Queenslanders as we possibly can. 50 cent fares will mean savings you can see every day,” he said. 

“We hope they will make a lot more people in the South-East consider using public transport for their daily commute, which reduces congestion for everyone.”

Public transport usage in Queensland remains about 13 percent below pre-COVID levels, and this initiative aims to boost patronage. 

By making public transport nearly free, the government anticipates a surge in usage, which will help reduce both transport CPI and inflation in the state.