Evry four years, Queenslanders go to the polls and elect their parliamentarians. The 2024 poll will be see the current Queensland Labor government (led by Steven Miles) seek re-election against the opposition Liberal National Party (led by David Crisafulli.
The first major policy pronouncement by Queensland Labor is a six month trial (commencing on August 5th) slashing of Translink branded public transport fares to 50 cents per trip across Queensland, regardless of start and finish locations (excluding Airtain services to Brisbane Airport) and fare type (adult, concession, student). If successful the trailmay become permanent.
While the initiative is welcome from a public transport user perspective, if both Queensland Labor and the Liberal National Party are serious about public transport access, serious investment is required across the public transport network including :
- The expediated rollout of the Smart Ticketing Project across regional Queensland, which was announced in 2018.
- Dual track the North Coast rail corridor along the entirety of it’s length, faciliting enhanced regional, intercity and suburban rail services to Brisbane.
- Facilitiate the repalcement of regional bus operators’ fleets to ensure accessability for mobility impaired and elderly passengers
Media Resources.
- Sunday May 26 2024.
- ABC News – Queensland government to trial 50 cent public transport fares to ease cost of living, congestion as election looms. Accessed 26 May 2024.
- Courier Mail Brisbane – 50 cent fares: Queensland’s public transport fees slashed, no matter how far you travel. (Subscription required).
- Courier Mail Brisbane – Explained: Everything you need to know about 50 cent policy. (Subscription required).
Ministerial Statements.
- Sunday May 26 2024.
Transport Websites – Translink
- Tickets and Fares information. Accessed 26 May 2024.
- 50 cent fares are coming. Accessed 26 May 2024.
Queensland Public Transport Analytics Information Page 
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