Queenslanders will enjoy 50c public transport fares for at least four years, with both major parties committing to keep the scheme.
The initiative — the first of its kind in Australia — has saved commuters $37 million, or $7 million a week, since it was introduced last month, with a substantial uptick in public transport usage.
Premier Steven Miles committed to making the scheme permanent across all public transport in the state if he wins on October 26.
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“This is something I have wanted to do since I was a teenager,” he said.
“The best thing about this initiative is it saves Queenslanders more than it costs the government.
“It takes cars off the road, it gets people home sooner and it is great for the environment.”
The government anticipates it will cost $300 million per year in foregone revenue, funded by the operational balance of the budget.
Half-price fares on the privately owned Airtrain from Brisbane to the airport will continue for six months while negotiations continue with the company and work is undertaken to expand the Brisbane Metro bus line.
Opposition leader David Crisafulli has also promised to keep the scheme in place indefinitely if elected.
“Not only will we lock in 50 cent fares, we have a plan to make sure we increase frequency, reliability and safety for regional Queensland and outer Brisbane areas,” he said.
Crisafulli’s focus is bringing more services to regional areas where there are currently public transport option shortages.
“When we speak to Queenslanders in regional areas, they tell us they want to use public transport but they want to see an increase in the frequency, reliability and safety,” he said.
During the month the scheme has been in place the state’s southeast saw bus usage rising by 16 per cent, ferries by 43 per cent and trains by 22 per cent compared with 2023.
But some of the biggest usage uptakes have been recorded in the regions.
Mackay recorded a 30 per cent increase in people using public transport, Whitsundays was up by 21 per cent and Bundaberg was up by 11 per cent.
Popular tourist destination North Stradbroke Island saw the biggest uptick, with a 48 per cent jump.
The Miles government has urged other states and territories to look at the success in Queensland and consider implementing cheaper fares.
“I think this is putting a bit of pressure on (governments) to really come to the table in terms of what they can do for their public transport network,” Transport Minister Bart Mellish said.
The Liberal National Party is currently tracking ahead in the polls, looking to overturn Labor’s three terms.
