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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.
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“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.
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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.