LNP to review ticket prices

THE LNP has promised to review the ticket pricing policy of public transport.

Shadow Transport Minister Scott Emmerson (second left) with local LNP candidates Michael Kitzelmann, Sean Choat and Ian Berry discuss public transport policy. Picture: Sarah Harvey

THE LNP has promised to review the ticket pricing policy of public transport.

Speaking outside the Ipswich train station, the LNP shadow public transport minister Scott Emerson said if elected to government the LNP would give commuters free trips after taking nine journeys.

Currently the State Government offers a free trip after 10 journeys.

"We've announced our nine journeys as a first step and we've committed to reviewing fares going forward," Mr Emerson said.

"Labor will be increasing the fares again, 15% next year and 15% the year after that, they've announced that. We've said we'll review it." However, when asked if the LNP would consider aligning ticket prices rises with inflation Mr Emerson only said a review would take place.

Mr Emerson was joined by local LNP candidates Ian Berry, Sean Choat and Michael Kitzelmann at the station yesterday.

While the four discussed the record of the Labor Government they would not commit, beyond conducting a review, to reining in ticket prices or any specific upgrades to the Ipswich train line.

Labor member for Ipswich and former minister for transport Rachel Nolan said the State Government had made significant investments in Ipswich public transport.

"For every $1 commuters pay in fares, $3 is paid by government - the highest subsidy rate of any capital city transport network in the country," she said.

"After all this investment, the LNP's suggestion that they'd provide better public transport network cannot be believed."

Ms Nolan said the Labor Government had expanded peak-hour express trains from Ipswich to Brisbane, funded Sunday services for 12 Ipswich bus routes and begun construction of a rail link to Springfield.

Originally published as LNP to review ticket prices