The Queensland premier has joined commuters on Monday using public transport as much-awaited 50 cent fares began across the state.
Steven Miles travelled with Transport Minister Bart Mellish on a train from Brisbane's northern suburbs on the first day of a bold cost-of-living initiative ahead of the October election.
Commuters on Translink ferry, bus and trains services will pay 50c under a six-month trial spruiked by the three-term Labor government to address economic pressures and keep money in Queenslanders' pockets.
On my way to work. Happy 50 cent fare day! — Steven Miles (@StevenJMiles) pic.twitter.com/kqmW3e0dpAAugust 4, 2024
The discounts will extend to the privatised airport rail line, where ticket prices have been halved under the scheme.
Airtrain fares will be cut to $10.95 for Go Card and smart ticketing users and $11 for paper ticket customers.
The government is hoping cheaper fares will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport, with usage hovering around 13 per cent below pre-pandemic levels.
Labor trails the Liberal National Party opposition in polling ahead of the October 26 election, with the transport trial a test to see if targeted, budgeted cost-of-living relief can win the government a fourth term.
The government will also cut 20 per cent off car registrations for Queenslanders from September 16.
"We're conscious that not everyone can catch public transport," Mr Miles said on Monday.
"What we need is as many people who can to catch public transport.
"We want to remove as many impediments as possible."
Foregone revenue from the reduced fares is expected to cost $150 million but will help the government gauge where improvements to public transport access can be made.
It's hoped the cheaper public transport fares will encourage more people to leave their cars at home (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)
Extra services have been slated amid a forecasted increase in patronage.
Monday's fare changes has already seen a small increase in public transport use, the premier said.
Mr Miles has flagged a flat or reduced fare could become a permanent fixture if public transport usage exceeds pre-COVID-19 levels.
The cost of maintaining 50c fares following the trial is expected to be the same as foregone revenue.
Mr Mellish said the scheme was a "use it or lose it" situation and hoped to see Queenslanders turn to public transport in droves where possible.
"I really want to see people get on board for their daily commute," he said.
But not all Labor party MP's are onboard with the scheme, as typified by Victoria's Deputy Premier Ben Carroll who ruled out any similar initiatives in the south.
Mr Carroll, a former state pubic transport minister, labelled Queensland's 50c initiative as "not sensible".
"What that will lead to is chaos on the network," he told reporters in Melbourne.
"And it will probably lead to some contractual obligations, so that's not something we're considering."
Environmentalists are full steam ahead on Queensland's six-month trial with the Queensland Conservation Council hailing potential emissions saved with more cars off the road.
Further cost-of-living relief is underway in Queensland with the government providing $1000 energy rebates to all households over the next 12 months.
