Queenslanders will be able to keep enjoying 50-cent fares on public transport after the state government confirms the policy will be made permanent.
The plan was first introduced under the previous Labor government and saw the cost of public transport slashed across Translink networks.
Premier Crisafuli had announced the popular policy would remain in place during the state election campaign, with his government today announcing the cut had been adopted permanently.
The cheap fares will remain in place for South East Queensland bus, train, tram and ferry services.
The bus networks run by Translink in the rest of Queensland will also stay cheaper.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said it was a great day for Queenslanders.
He said patronage on all public transport had gone up and had saved people an estimated $110 million.
“I would like to thank public transport staff and operators across Queensland for their support in successfully implementing 50-cent fares,” Mickelberg said.
From August to October, 14.3 per cent more people have ridden the bus, according to data from Transport and Main Roads.
Train trips had seen an increase of 17.9 per cent.
The number of people using the Gold Coast Light Rail had also gone up by 22.1 per cent.
In total, since the policy was brought in there has been an increase on the number of trips by 11 per cent.
