Public transport fares are slashed to 50c for millions of Queenslanders

Millions of Australians are set to save money as public transport fares in one state are slashed.

Queensland’s 50-cent fare initiative launches on Monday, with commuters expected to save $150 million during the six-month trial.

Buses, trains, trams and ferries now charge a fixed fare of 50 cents, regardless of how far you travel.

Airtrain fares have also been halved, with Go Cards and Smart Ticketing users now paying $10.95, and paper ticket customers $11.

There is a $2.50 fine for those who do not sign out.

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said public transport may be slightly busier than usual on Monday but assured Queenslanders the government was “closely monitoring our networks every step of the way”.

“It always strikes me that we charge the people who travel the furthest, who probably can least afford it,” he said.

‘And those are the long-distance travellers we want to keep off our busy roads, like the M1 and the Bruce Highway.

‘Ultimately, this will save a lot of money for those who already take the bus or train, and even more for those who travel by car.’

The smart ticketing initiative, which allows commuters to use their credit cards and smartphones to ride public transit, is expected to cost $22.8 million more than initially anticipated.

According to the Courier Mail, the program will cost around $400 million and take seven years, despite being announced in 2018 and expected to be implemented within four years.

The schedule has now reportedly been extended until mid-2025, with $510,000 set aside for the smart ticketing program.

This means that travellers will still need to use their Go Card on the bus, while credit cards and smartphones can be used to pay for the reduced fares on trains, ferries and trams.

According to the Courier Mail, smart ticketing is expected to be introduced before the end of 2024.