This was published 4 months ago
How busy was the rollout of 50¢ travel in Brisbane? New data revealed
About 57,000 more train, ferry, bus and light rail trips than average took place across Queensland as 50¢ fares were rolled out on Monday.
Translink data released to Brisbane Times reveals travellers saved about $1.1 million during day one of the six-month trial.
Total public transport ticket sales increased by just under 10 per cent compared with “a standard Monday” at the same time last year.
On day one of 50¢ travel Brisbane public transport use was up almost 10 per cent compared to the same time in 2023. Credit: Alamy
“Data from the first day of the trial showed a patronage lift across all four modes of public transport,” a spokesperson for Translink told Brisbane Times.
Ferries led the way, with users on Monday increasing 38.3 per cent over the same time last year. The figure was likely bolstered by reopening of several terminals during that time.
Light-rail use increased by 14.9 per cent, trains increased by 14.1 per cent and buses increased 6.8 per cent.
Data comparing ticket sales with previous weeks in 2024 was not provided, and the boost might be inflated by other factors including a progressive commuter bounceback post-COVID.
Brisbane Times readers reported their trips on Monday were not dramatically busier than normal. At the time, Translink said it experienced a “slight uptick in patronage”.
“It was a standard Monday morning for me – the bus and bus station were no more busy than usual,” commuter Nathan said that morning.
“That said, it is a Monday, which is normally a quieter morning … tomorrow morning will be the interesting one to watch.”
Figures released to Queensland parliament in July revealed government subsidies historically cover about 80 per cent of public transport costs.
Average subsidies this year equate to about $29.47 for every train trip, $6.21 for every bus trip and $4.81 for every light rail journey.
Residents canvassed by Brisbane Times this week were largely supportive of the six-month 50¢ ticket trial.