This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jun/12/public-tranport-fares-to-be-cut-in-south-east-queensland
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Public transport fares to be cut in south-east Queensland | Public transport fares to be cut in south-east Queensland |
(2 months later) | |
Public transport fares will be cut and the number of zones slashed from next year in an overhaul of south-east Queensland’s fare system. | Public transport fares will be cut and the number of zones slashed from next year in an overhaul of south-east Queensland’s fare system. |
Children under 15 will also get to travel free on weekends, while off-peak discounts will be extended. | Children under 15 will also get to travel free on weekends, while off-peak discounts will be extended. |
The state government announced the changes in its “Fairer Fares” package on Sunday after an independent review into TransLink’s prices. | The state government announced the changes in its “Fairer Fares” package on Sunday after an independent review into TransLink’s prices. |
The number of zones will be slashed from 23 to eight and the cost of travelling in a single zone in peak time will drop to $3.20. | The number of zones will be slashed from 23 to eight and the cost of travelling in a single zone in peak time will drop to $3.20. |
“In fact, 93% of public transport users across the south-east Queensland transport network will receive cheaper fares under my government,” said the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk. | “In fact, 93% of public transport users across the south-east Queensland transport network will receive cheaper fares under my government,” said the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk. |
The transport minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the remaining 7% were either those exploiting the “nine and free” scheme or travellers whose costs would remain the same. | The transport minister, Stirling Hinchliffe, said the remaining 7% were either those exploiting the “nine and free” scheme or travellers whose costs would remain the same. |
The controversial system in which commuters travelled for free after their ninth trip will be replaced with a scheme where travel is half-price after eight trips. | The controversial system in which commuters travelled for free after their ninth trip will be replaced with a scheme where travel is half-price after eight trips. |
Off-peak discounts will also be extended, with the morning peak period not starting until after 6am and the off-peak 20% discount to apply to all travel between 7pm and 6am, and 8.30am and 3.30pm. | Off-peak discounts will also be extended, with the morning peak period not starting until after 6am and the off-peak 20% discount to apply to all travel between 7pm and 6am, and 8.30am and 3.30pm. |
Jobseekers and asylum seekers will also get concession fares from early next year, while seniors will retain their discounts. | Jobseekers and asylum seekers will also get concession fares from early next year, while seniors will retain their discounts. |
Hinchliffe said the overhaul would cost the government $210m in forgone revenue, with savings to be found from the state’s transport department. But he said the figure was based on a conservative patronage increase of 0.175%. | Hinchliffe said the overhaul would cost the government $210m in forgone revenue, with savings to be found from the state’s transport department. But he said the figure was based on a conservative patronage increase of 0.175%. |
“I think we will see a significantly better uptake of patronage as a result of these fairer fares,” he said. | “I think we will see a significantly better uptake of patronage as a result of these fairer fares,” he said. |
Public transport fares in south-east Queensland will be frozen for the remainder of this year, while fares in regional Queensland will be frozen for the next 18 months. | Public transport fares in south-east Queensland will be frozen for the remainder of this year, while fares in regional Queensland will be frozen for the next 18 months. |
Previous version
1
Next version