Remember when: The GST’s introduction was just days away, sparking fears of price rises

GOLD Coast commuters were warned to brace for a round of fare rises as the GST hit public transport costs.

Gold Coast History: Gold Coast Bulletin 2000, June 21. Front page.

Gold Coast Bulletin, Wednesday June 21, 2000

GOLD Coast commuters were warned to brace for a round of fare rises as the GST hit public transport costs.

Train fares were expected to lead the rise, jumping by virtually the full 10 per cent.

State Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer told parliament that urban bus fares in the southeast corner were expected to rise 8 per cent, taxis 7.5 per cent and domestic airfares by 7.5 per cent.

He also said that rises were expected to lead to a cut in the number of people using public transport, reducing the profitability of buses and rail services.

The Minister warned the new cost structures would result in more private cars on the road and the government’s economic modelling showed the need for new roads.

He warned costs through road accidents and subsequent hospitalisations could blow out to $30 million annually.

“The GST will increase the cost of public transport and reduce the cost of private transport,” the minister said.

“Traffic congestion and associated problems such as air pollution and motor vehicle accidents are all expected to worsen.”

CityTrain was yet to release its new fare structure but a weekly return ticket to Brisbane from the Gold Coast was expected to rise by as much as $5 a week.

The GST came into effect on July 1, 2000 and was initially deeply unpopular, impacting on the Howard Government’s standing in the polls.

Now, 16 years later a GST rise is being debated.