All aboard! 50¢ public transport fares kick off

One of the state government’s most anticipated initiatives is under way, with 50¢ fares on public transport kicking off across Queensland from Monday.

Under the six-month trial, bus, train, ferry and light-rail fares have been slashed to 50¢ a trip as part of a range of cost-of-living measures introduced by the Miles government.

As 50c fares come into effect, passengers are being urged to plan ahead to prevent being left stranded.Credit: Courtney Kruk

Before the trial began, public transport users were urged to plan their trips and visit the Translink website to view tips and the predicted patronage on their service.

“It might be a little busier than usual, so remember, be patient, be cool, be safe, and make use of the tips that Translink have put together to make your journey more comfortable,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said on Sunday.

While there had been wide support for the ambitious plan, concerns were raised about the network’s capacity to meet the increased demand.

Weeks before the trial was due to start, the state’s biggest bus service provider, Brisbane City Council, warned of overcrowded routes that could leave thousands stranded at stops across the city.

According to council modelling, a 10 per cent increase in passengers each weekday would mean more than 12,000 people would not fit on buses on more than half of Brisbane’s routes.

“Residents face the spectre of being left at busway stations [and] bus stops all around the city because there is not enough capacity in our bus network to cope with the demands,” the council’s transport committee chair, Ryan Murphy, said at the time.

The Miles government announced 50 new buses to ease the pressure, with 37 buses dedicated to boosting capacity during the 50¢ fare trial.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli expressed support for the initiative on the eve of its commencement, telling a press conference on Sunday he would see the six-month trial through to completion if elected in October.

“I’m really keen to see the results of [the 50¢ fare trial]. For public transport to be effective, it needs to be affordable, reliable, safe and frequent.

“I note the minister’s comments in estimates this week about the need to review that in six months. My commitment is that we will do that, and we’ll have a look at the effectiveness of it.

“That’s important.”

Brisbane’s privately owned Airtrain service, initially excluded from the initiative, also sees a 50 per cent reduction in fees from Monday, reducing tickets between the airport and the CBD from about $21.95 to $10.95.

“We’re expecting to see people on the network who haven’t used public transport for a number of years – pre-COVID – or haven’t used it before,” Mellish said.

“So please be courteous to people who might not quite be up to speed on the usual etiquette on trains [and other public transport].”

Translink tips to assist public transport users with the start of 50c fares:

• Services in south-east Queensland are cashless, so have your Go Card, contactless card or smart device (for travel on trains, trams and Brisbane River ferries) or valid paper ticket ready.
• Arrive at your stop five minutes before the scheduled departure time.
• Use the Translink app or journey planner on the Translink website to plan your trip, or call 13 12 30.
• To hail a bus, stand in a visible location and raise your hand early to ensure the driver can see you and has enough time to safely stop.
• To get off a bus, press the stop button well before your stop to allow the driver to stop smoothly and safely.
• Don’t forget to tap on and off.
• Treat all public transport staff and other passengers with courtesy and respect (see Passenger Code of Conduct).
• If you’re transferring to another service, your fare will still be 50c, as long as you transfer within the time limit.
• Public transport users can visit Translink’s Service Capacity Tracker to view the predicted patronage on their service based on the day and time they are travelling.