Editorial: Fair-go fares are transformational, further proof vaccines work

Fifty cent fares may have a much greater impact than encouraging South East Queenslanders to get out of the house, writes the editor.

Premier Steven Miles on Sunday. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

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Back in May, when Premier Steven Miles announced his 50c public transport fare trial, this column welcomed the bold move, but also noted the desperate nature of another cash splash hot on the heels of the $1000 power bill handout.

As Deputy Opposition Leader Jarrod Bleijie pointed out at the time, “Queenslanders are supportive of the cost-of-living relief, but cynical that it runs out just after the election.”

Now, despite the six-month trial having more than four months still to run, Mr Miles has decided to make it permanent. And, as has been the nature of Queensland politics in the lead-up to the election on October 26, David Crisafulli’s LNP has quickly followed suit.

He could not have made any other decision.

The trial has indeed been an incredible success. As reported in The Sunday Mail, total trips across all transport types are up 19 per cent compared with the same time last year, and 3 per cent up on pre-Covid-19 levels.

Train trips are up 22.4 per cent, while ferry trips are up an incredible 43.3 per cent from last year and 22.7 per cent on the pre-Covid benchmark.

They are remarkable figures, surely beyond anything the premier could have anticipated.

Workers have decided to leave their cars at home or park at train stations, which can only take pressure off major roads during peak periods.

Families are no longer baulking at the price of a ferry ride in the city on weekends, which can only be a boon for hospitality businesses.

Mr Miles and Mr Crisafulli, by locking in the 50c fares, are banking on the remarkable uptick in patronage being much more than just a sugar hit. They are probably right. We hope they are. In fact it would be easy to predict that patronage will only increase as the weather gets warmer.

And 50c fares may have a much greater impact than encouraging South East Queenslanders to get out of the house.

Many regions and cities have toyed with the idea of virtually free public transport, but lacked the political will (or did not have the same level of desperation) to see it through.

Now we have made the leap into the unknown, our state might become famous for its cheap transport.

Imagine eight years from now, when the hordes of Olympic tourists descent on South East Queensland.

Imagine the buzz that will creates as they jump on and off buses, trains and ferries at will, and then take the stories about the visionary public transport policy around the world.

Possibly frustrated by Mr Crisafulli quickly falling into line on 50c fares yesterday, Mr Miles tried to once again make it an election issue, saying his opponent was desperate and would say or do anything to win votes.

“But the real question is, who do you trust to keep them (50c fares), me, who’s lived my whole life wanting to make this change or David Crisafulli, who’s only decided he supports it this morning because he wants to get through an election campaign?”

It’s a fair point, but we hope Mr Crisafulli is indeed sincere about the policy, which deserves long-term bipartisan support.

It is a policy that promises to be truly transformational and one, as the figures already show, that the public truly supports.

FURTHER PROOF VACCINES WORK

It remains a baffling legacy of the pandemic that after a global effort to develop a vaccine in record time – and a rollout that saw spiralling death rates brought under control – vaccine hesitancy is now stronger than ever.

But as Queensland’s chief health officer Dr John Gerrard points out new mums have shown no reluctance to have their babies jabbed (for free) with the new RSV vaccine because they know how deadly the virus can be.

And while the vaccine may not eradicate the disease, it has dramatically reduced its impact, so much so that Dr Gerrard has hailed it as the biggest health development he has seen in his 30-year career. And as Queenslanders would remember from Dr Gerrard’s bedside manner during Covid, this is not a man prone to hyperbole.

Since the launch of the free vaccine the number of cases of infants diagnosed with RSV plummeted from 108 during the week ending April 14 to 12 on the week ending September 9.

This is further proof – if needed – of the critical importance of vaccinations, despite what you might read on your untrustworthy social media feeds.

Any baby or infant can get the free RSV immunisation if they were born on or after February 1, 2024, up until less than eight months of age.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here