Explained: Everything you need to know about Premier’s unprecedented 50c public transport fares

The state government is set to slash the cost of public transport fares in a major cost-of-living pledge. Here are your questions answered on how it will work.

All government-run public transport journeys will cost 50c under a major cost of living pledge by Premier Steven Miles.

Here are your questions answered:

What journeys does it apply to?

Fares will be capped at 50c on public transport services where you can use a go card to tap on or off.

It means travel on TransLink buses, Queensland Rail trains, Brisbane City Council City Cats and the Gold Coast light rail will be just 50c.

Those living on the southern Moreton Bay islands will also be able to catch the ferry for 50c each way.

It will apply to all government-run transport services, including across regional Queensland.

Can I get to the airport for 50c?

No. Airtrain is excluded from the 50c fare deal due to its contract signed with the state government in 1998.

Transport Minister Bart Mellish is expected to soon announce outcomes of his talks with the company, which is expected to make public transport to the airport easier.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick and Transport Minister Bart Mellish announcing the 50 cent fares starting later this year. Picture: David Clark

When does it start?

The 50c fare trial starts on August 5.

Premier Steven Miles said the delay was due to the need for programmers to recalibrate the network and ensure it works.

Is this permanent?

No. This is a six-month trial. Mr Miles hopes by announcing it as a limited-time offer people will be more inclined to make the most of it immediately.

For it to stay beyond February, the state hopes to see a significant increase in patronage on public transport, which right now remains 13 per cent below pre-Covid-19 levels.

How much will it cost the government?

Just $150m for six months.

In an $85bn budget, this comparatively is a drop in the ocean.

Making it permanent would likely double the cost to at least $300m each year and force additional investments in transport infrastructure to cope with higher demand.

Why has the premier announced this?

It’s obvious there’s an election in five months and the government is widely tipped to lose it.

Mr Miles on Sunday, however, said it’s something he’s always wanted to try.

The premier said it would help people struggling with cost of living, increase public transport patronage and help bust worsening congestion.

Will there be any exceptions?

Non-government transport services, such as the ferry to North Stradbroke Island and Greyhound long distance buses, won’t be included.

Queensland Rail’s Spirit of Queensland – between Brisbane and Cairns – and other long distance services are also excluded.

Originally published as Explained: Everything you need to know about Premier’s unprecedented 50c public transport fares