Sunshine Coast rail passengers voice their approval of the permanent 50 cent fares

With 50 cent fares earmarked to become permanent at the conclusion of a six-month trial, Sunshine Coast public transport users have reacted positively to the cheap rides.

Nambour train station

Queensland’s 50 cent fares are on track to become permanent as the LNP government endorses the cost benefits and decreased traffic congestion of cheaper public transport created by the previous Labor leadership’s cost of living measure.

The initiative seems to have been a hit on the Sunshine Coast as travellers have taken advantage of the ability to travel on the rail network for almost nothing.

“Fifty cent fares are great, as long as the government can afford it,” train passenger Peter said, travelling back home to the Gold Coast from Nambour station.

Susan from Nambour.

He said the train provided him with a convenient, safe and comfortable way to meet with his friends without the hassle of highway driving, fuel expenditure and parking.

Susan travels to Beerwah every week for her photography class and finds the Nambour train convenient.

Peter from the Gold Coast.

“I use the train a lot more than I did before because it’s so cheap, I can get to Brisbane for 50 cents and I’m encouraging a lot of other people to do the same thing,” she said.

The cost of the initiative is projected to total $1.5bn over the next four years.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg speaks to the media at Cultural Centre Bus Station, South Brisbane, Monday, February 10, 2025. Picture: Richard Walker

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said public transport usage increased more in the regions than the metropolitan centres

directed towards financial relief and improved traffic flow for motorists.

The trial cost $181 million in revenue for the state but that number is also the savings for the commuter.

Busses, trains, light rail and ferries saw a 15.8%, 18.6%, 27.5% and 42.8% increase in usage over this time.

Gympie and Townsville both saw the largest customer growth of 49% while Sunshine Coast passenger numbers grew by 37%.

“We need to ensure that it’s viewed through the lens of making public transport services reliable, safe and affordable, and whether that’s 10 people accessing a service or 100”, Mr Mickelberg said.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast rail passengers voice their approval of the permanent 50 cent fares