Public transport fares cut to 50 cents for millions of Queenslanders

Millions of Australians could save money thanks to a cut in public transport fares in one state.

Queensland’s 50-cent fare initiative will begin on Monday and is expected to save commuters $150 million over the six-month trial period.

Buses, trains, trams and ferries will now have a fixed fare of 50 cents, regardless of the distance travelled.

Airtrain fares have also been cut in half, to $10.95 for Go and Smart Ticketing card users, and $11 for paper ticket customers.

A fine of $2.50 will be applied to those who do not perform the touch.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said public transport could be a little busier than usual on Monday but assured Queenslanders the government would be “keeping a close eye on our networks at every step”.

“I’ve always been surprised that we charge more to people who travel further, when they are probably the ones who can least afford it,” he said.

‘And those are the long-distance travellers we want to get off our busiest roads, like the M1 and Bruce Highway.

‘Ultimately, this will save a lot of money for those who already use the bus or train, and save even more for those who drive.’

However, the smart ticketing initiative that allows commuters to use their credit cards and smartphones to use public transport is estimated to cost $22.8 million more than initially planned.

The programme will cost around $400 million and take seven years to complete, according to the Courier Mail, despite first being announced in 2018 and promised to be implemented within four years.

The timeline has reportedly been extended to mid-2025, with $510,000 set aside for the smart ticketing program.

As a result, travellers will still need to use their Go Card on buses, while credit cards and smartphones can be used to pay for reduced fares on trains, ferries and trams.

The Courier Mail reported that smart notes are expected to be available before the end of 2024.