Ticket prices on Queensland public transport services will be frozen in 2021.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move gives commuters certainty on costs for the year ahead as the state navigates its economic recovery.
“We’re backing commuters with this decision,” the Premier said.
“We need to encourage Queenslanders back on to public transport.
“This has been a year like no other.
“Thanks to our continued strong health response, we are seeing positive signs for our community and our economy.
“Every little bit back into the pockets of commuters supports Queenslanders, which in turn supports the state’s economy.”
Transport Minister Mark Bailey said, after two years of record public transport patronage in Queensland, patronage took a major hit this year.
“Throughout the pandemic, we kept essential public transport services running, increased cleaning and added more services to support social distancing,” the Minister said.
“Commuters are slowly returning to the network, and we will keep planning for a future when more people than ever use public transport in our fast-growing region.”
The Palaszczuk Government will keep building major public transport projects like Cross River Rail, Gold Coast Light Rail and upgrades to the Sunshine Coast line.
“These projects are creating jobs now and will support growing communities for decades to come,” he said.
“We are also continuing to back commuters with almost $500 million being invested to upgrade train stations across south east Queensland and make them more accessible, and $241 million to improve level crossings at Beams Road, Boundary Road and at Lindum Station.
“We are also continuing to trial smart ticketing technology for commuters too.
“Smart ticketing is a $371 million investment by the Palaszczuk Government that will, for the first time in this state, give every Queensland commuter access to the same system and a choice of multiple options on how they pay to travel, whether you live in Cairns or Coolangatta.”
Mr Bailey said the fare freeze was a win for public transport users, who were still benefitting from Fairer Fares.
“Fairer Fares has saved commuters more than $250 million since December 2016,” Mr Bailey said.
A freeze on ticket prices through 2021 means we will keep putting commuters first and encourage people to continue catching public transport.”
The freeze on ticket prices in 2021 applies to all TransLink and QConnect public transport services across Queensland.
