Queensland’s 50c Public Transport to continue

The announcement earlier this year that the Queensland Government would undertake a 6-month trial of 50c fares for public transport was welcomed by Bicycle Queensland. Making public transportation more affordable is a step in the right direction toward reducing congestion and promoting sustainable travel options.  

Whilst public transport use has increased most markedly in the south-east corner, around the state patronage has typically increased between 8-15%. Rail has been the big winner in south east Queensland, with a reported 26.5% increase in patronage after the first month of the initiative. 

On the weekend Premier Steven Miles said that the government would keep the 50c fares post-election. Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said that the LNP would keep the commitment for cheaper public transport if his party won at the state election in October. Bicycle Queensland welcomes this bipartisan support for this great public transport initiative. 

We understand from media reports that this cost for subsidising public transport 50 cent fares has been estimated to be approximately $300 million a year, although it may end up less if patronage grows.  

By way of comparison, the Queensland Government has committed $315 million over four years for walking and bike riding in their transport budget. 

Bike riding, e-scooter riding and walking typically go hand-in-hand with more public transport use to allow for properly connected routes. At Bicycle Queensland, we would encourage further investment in walking and riding infrastructure so Queenslanders can make the best use of the ongoing subsidies for public transport. 

Cycling and micromobility has a very real role in supporting more public transport trips, particularly as part of the “door to door” customer experience. Many park-and-ride facilities on the public transport network are already full or close to capacity, so alternatives need to be considered. Additional investment in secure bike parking, and investing in greater capacity for carrying bikes on trains would help. 

‘Having ongoing discounted public transport as a bipartisan promise for the coming state election is a positive step for all Queenslanders,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘We encourage all parties to match this additional $300 million investment in public transport with investment in active transport, to make the best use of the incentives and opportunities.’ 

Interestingly, the Household Travel Survey data from the Department of Transport and Main Roads shows that there are double the number of people riding bikes compared to using trains in Southeast Queensland, despite the significantly lesser investment in active transport. 

Can you imagine the increase in mode share for cycling and micromobility if a similar level of investment to public transport was applied? 

With the state election looming, Bicycle Queensland encourages you to engage with the candidates in your area to find out what they are doing to improve cycling in your region. 

You can support Bicycle Queensland’s Advocacy work by becoming a member.