THE six-month trial of 50 cent fares is off to a flying start as records tumble across the first week. Patronage increased across all modes during the first week of the trial with South East Queensland public transport use returning to 98.5 percent of pre-COVID levels for the week as a whole.
More than four million passenger trips were taken, with total trips up 11.1 per cent from the previous week and up 11.6 per cent from a comparable week in 2023- 24.
Queensland transport minister, Bart Mellish, said the uptake in public transport highlights the success of the cost of living initiative. “In the first week of 50 cent fares, we have almost returned to pre-COVID levels which is a great result,” he said.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays were the busiest days in the week. The weekend was a standout with Saturday and Sunday both recording their busiest days ever on the network.
While weekend figures were boosted by busy crowds at Suncorp Stadium for the Wallabies v South Africa and Dolphins v Warriors, and at the Gabba for the Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, free travel arrangements were in place for these games.