An unintended consequence of the ‘policy on the run’ Queensland public transport’s 50 cent cheap fares is the near certainty of major congestion at South East Queensland train stations, park and ride and transit hubs. Many of these facilities have limited capacity and are currently fully utilised by current passengers.

An article on Brisbane’s Courier Mail website illustrates that several transit hubs (particularly suburban facilities) are likely to be overflowing when the 50 cent fare trial commences in August. Many other park and ride and transit hubs will be constrained to provide parking for increased passengers as shopping centre operaters limit access to their parking lots to priortise shoppers over the travelling public. Examples of this include:

• Capalaba, Cleveland and Carindale Bus Interchanges; and
• All train stations on the Cleveland line from Thornside to Cleveland.

While the trial appears to be a worthwhile experiment to encourage public transport usage across Queensland, the rollout of the program has increasingly suffered the perception of ‘policy on the run’ in an desperate attempt by the current Queensland government to retain power at the October state election.

Media.

• 2024-06-26 – Cheap rides, costly parking chaos: SEQ gears up for 50 cent fares. The Courier Mail Brisbane, Accessed 26 June 2024.