Airtrain fare reverts to full price as 50c tickets remain on rest of network

The new LNP government has made Labor’s 50c public transport fares permanent, but there’s one fee reverting to its previous level.

The fare for Brisbane’s Airtrain is reverting to its previous level.

• 50c fares: What you said

Train fares to Brisbane Airport are set to double from March, as Labor’s six-month discount trial ends.

The half-price Airtrain ticket trial – launched by former Labor premier Steven Miles in August – will expire in March, and the new LNP state government has indicated it won’t be extended.

Tickets for services between Central Station and Brisbane Airport could revert from $10.95 to the previous price of $21.90.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said he would instead work collaboratively with stakeholders to improve transport to Brisbane Airport.

“What’s very clear is that the former government’s announcement in relation to that measure, there’s nothing more than an election talking point,” he said.

“There’s no money in the budget for it, there is no money allocated by the former state government to implement that.

“Our commitment was to make 50c fares permanent, and we’re doing that with the directive that I have issued to the Department of Transport and Main Roads.”

Airtrain owners Britain’s Universities Superannuation Scheme holds a monopoly on public transport services to Brisbane Airport until 2036 as part of a controversial deal which prevents Brisbane City Council or TransLink from running services to terminals.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff used The Courier-Mail’s Future Brisbane series last week to advocate for improved services to the airport.

“Brisbane City Council’s plan to extend Brisbane Metro to the airport is a welcome initiative and it is imperative this becomes a reality,” he said.

“So too is a solution to Airtrain, to allow more frequent, more affordable and more competitive rail services to each terminal.”

Mr Mickelberg said Labor’s half-price Airtrain fare trial was shortsighted.

“What my task has been, very clearly articulated by the Premier, is to ensure that I deliver lasting solutions that will deliver a legacy for every Queenslander,” he said.

Originally published as Airtrain fare reverts to full price as 50c tickets remain on rest of network