Would Victorians use public transport more often if it was cheaper?

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, could Victorians be more tempted to save money by using public transport if 50c fares, similar to Queensland, were introduced? Take our poll.

The news that Queenslanders will soon be able to take any form of government-run public transport for just 50c may rub some Victorian commuters the wrong way.

With the cost of living crisis stretching Victorian household budgets beyond their limits, Queensland’s 50c transport fares could turn some green with envy.

The major cost of living pledge by Queensland Premier Steven Miles will mean each journey on TransLink buses, Queensland Rail trains, Brisbane City Council City Cats and the Gold Coast light rail is slashed to just 50c each way, no matter how far the distance.

The move will also aim to help ease congestion on Queensland roads by boosting public transport patronage, which remains 13 per cent below pre-Covid-19 levels.

The six-month trial will begin on August 5 and is a major pre-election bid from the Labor state government.

The 50c fare trial isn’t without some apprehension, however, with some questioning how cheap fares will impact demand and whether six months is enough time to successfully test a program such as this.

Back in Victoria, while the state does have some free travel zones, concession fares and free early bird travel before 7.15am, full fare PTV users are spending up to $10.60 a day to get in and out of the city.

In Queensland, that price will soon get you about 21 trips.

A Victorian government spokesman said the state’s public transport system is competitively priced.

“Victoria’s public transport fares offer great value for money, with two-hour and daily capped fares across Victoria and a range of generous concessions.

“Our regional fare cap has put more than $50 million back into Victorians’ pockets in its first year alone.”

In March, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said she would call on the Victorian state government to cut the cost of myki fares for office workers in a bid to bring more people into the city on Mondays and Fridays.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp. Picture: Mark Stewart

The City of Melbourne branded the proposal a “game-changer”, with all 11 councillors at Town Hall voting in favour of the plan, which was put forward by the council’s city economy advisory committee.

The plan was one of the key outcomes identified following the City of Melbourne’s City Economy Summit.

More than 350 stakeholders, including local traders, business, government and economic peak bodies met across two sessions in December 2023 to explore strategies to strengthen Melbourne’s economy.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp welcomed the idea of cheaper public transport fares.

“We have consistently heard that the cost of public transport is a barrier for workers to return to the city,” she said.

“Since the pandemic, we’ve repeatedly called for changes to our public transport system to incentivise more workers back into the city during weekdays.

“We would strongly encourage the Victorian government to consider our Queensland counterparts’ proposal and look towards building a more modern and equitable system for Victorians so that more people can enjoy what the city has to offer,” Ms Capp said.

However, some Victorians weren’t impressed by City of Melbourne’s myki fare proposal, instead suggesting the council should be focused on scrapping bike lanes, cleaning up the city and subsidising parking.

But given the cost of living crisis continues to drag on, would Victorians be more open to a cheaper public transport fare, especially given their Queensland counterparts are now getting drastically cheaper rates?

Let us know your thoughts on 50c transport fares below.