Transport: Queenslanders’ choose cheaper public transport fares
For the first time in Queensland’s history, there will be a state-wide reduction to public transport fares making it more affordable for families to catch the train, bus, tram or ferry.
Premier Campbell Newman and Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said feedback following a two-week survey and public consultation clearly showed Queenslanders wanted cheaper fares.
“Under our strong plan, we promised to deliver cost of living relief for families and this announcement means Queenslanders will pay 5% less to use public transport from November 3,” Mr Newman said.
“Fares will also be frozen in 2015, so Queenslanders across the state will save up to 7.5% next year.
“What this means is that a mum or dad travelling to work in the Brisbane CBD from the Gold Coast will save more than $297 a year, or nearly $2000 compared to what they would have paid under Labor.
“Under the LNP, families now have more money in their back pocket, compared to Labor’s record of ongoing 15% fare hikes.
Mr Emerson said almost 22,000 people from across Queensland gave their view, and 74% voted for cheaper fares.
“We left it up to Queenslanders to decide where almost $30 million of carbon tax savings should be reinvested and their clear choice was a reduction in fares,” Mr Emerson said.
“We agreed, that is why we have worked hard to lower fares and passengers will now pay less for a weekly go card than they were under the previous Labor Government.
“Under our policies we have added 3000 extra bus and train services to the network, trains are running on time and up to 80,000 passengers are benefiting from our free travel after nine weekly journeys initiative.
“On top of those benefits, passengers will now pay less for public transport across the State for the first time in Queensland’s history.
“The savings will be across the State so all Queensland public transport users will benefit from improvements in public transport affordability whether they live in South East Queensland or regional Queensland”
The survey officially closed midnight 14 September and gave Queenslanders the choice to re-invest carbon tax savings to either increase services or reduce fares.
Source: News Release Premier Campbell Newman, 21 September 2014
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/9/21/queenslanders-choose-cheaper-fares