The six-month trial of 50 cent fares is off to a flying start as records tumble across the first week.
Patronage increased across all modes during the first week of the trial with South East Queensland public transport use returning to 98.5 per cent of pre-COVID levels for the week as a whole.
It was the first week to exceed one million journeys on South East Queensland trains since the week ending March 15, 2020.
More than four million passenger trips were taken, with total trips up 11.1 per cent from the previous week and up 11.6 per cent from a comparable week in 2023-24. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays were the busiest days in the week.
Premier Steven Miles said these are encouraging results that are delivering real savings for commuters.
“We put the call out for Queenslanders to make the most of this trial and they are doing just that,” he said.
“My government is continuing to do what matters for Queenslanders by delivering record cost-of-living relief.”
The weekend was a standout with Saturday and Sunday both recording their busiest days ever on the network.
There was more than $7 million in savings from the first week of the trial, based on the same number of trips being taken under the previous fares structure.
Trips were up 11.1 per cent across all four modes in SEQ compared to the week before 50 cent fares started.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish said in the first week of 50 cent fares, the government has seen patronage almost returned to pre-COVID levels which is a great result.
“How fantastic to see South East Queenslanders getting out and about on public transport while keeping money in their pockets,” he said.
“This is a cost-of-living initiative first and foremost and on average, South East Queenslanders saved more than $1 million per day last week.
“It’s not just commuters who are benefiting – we said before the trial that 50 cent fares would provide a great opportunity for residents and tourists to explore some of the great locations across our region and the data shows people did exactly that over the weekend.
“We saw busy days across all modes of the public transport, including the busiest weekends ever in the South East, but still within capacity of existing services, which is exactly what we hoped for.”
While weekend figures were boosted by busy crowds at Suncorp Stadium for the Wallabies v South Africa and Dolphins v Warriors, and at the Gabba for the Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, free travel arrangements were in place for these games and patrons did not need to tap on.
Airtrain passengers are also making the most of half price fares with an 18 per cent increase in passenger numbers in the first week, as well as a 69 per cent increase in airport staff tickets.
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