Queensland slashes public transport fares to 50c as SA’s price goes up again

Queenslanders are riding high after slashing public transport fares to incredible lows – but SA commuters are facing hikes as our leaders say their prices are “competitive”.

The South Australian government will consider dropping public transport fares following Queensland slashing all rides to 50c.

While South Aussie commuters will have to wait until at least mid-2025 for any hope of a price drop, those in the Sunshine State will feel relief from August when a six-month trial begins to ease traffic gridlock and cost-of-living pressure.

A state government spokesman said prices would be examined once trains and trams were returned to public hands by July.

TELL US WHY IN THE COMMENTS

“The state government’s immediate focus is on returning our trains and trams to public hands, in line with our election commitment.

“There will be consideration of fare and schedule structures once that process is complete, however we have no current plans to follow Queensland in this approach to pricing.”

The state government will consider a fare restructure after trains and trams return to public hands in 2025. Picture: Morgan Sette

South Australian commuters purchasing single trips to travel short distances on public transport currently pay the highest fares nationally with a 15 cent hike on the horizon in July.

Unlike other states, Adelaide has no zone systems, meaning commuters travelling short distances pay the same as those travelling further with a single bus, train or tram trip currently costing $4.25 during peak travel times.

This is compared to a $4 adult peak fare paid by Sydney metro and train customers travelling up to 10 kilometres and $3.20 for bus passengers travelling under 3 kilometres.

In Melbourne, a two-hour trip through zone 2, the city’s outer suburbs, costs $3.30 for those using a myki card with Brisbane commuters paying $3.55 to travel through one zone.

Opposition transport spokesman Vincent Tarzia said increased fares would deter South Australians from using public transport. Picture: Emma Brasier

The government spokesperson said despite the cost of single fare trips, the cost of public transport in Adelaide was “already highly subsidised” and “very competitive” when compared with other states.

However, opposition transport spokesman Vincent Tarzia said it was “disappointing” the cost was increasing for South Australians while other states are slashing fares.

“With the cost of everyday essentials continuing to rise, Peter Malinauskas should be incentivising more people to use public transport, not deterring them with increased fees and charges,” he said.