From today, a six-month trial of 50-cent fares will begin on Queensland's public transport network of buses, trains, ferries, and trams.
All journeys, regardless of the length of trip, will cost 50 cents, with the state government set to forgo about $150 million in fare revenue.
The trial is being launched by the government ahead of the state election in October, and will wrap up in February.
A trial of 50-cent fares has begun across Queensland's public transport network, with the possibility of it continuing after six months dependent on "how quickly people respond", the premier says.
All fares, regardless of the length of trip, on Translink bus, train, light rail, and ferry services will be a flat 50 cents during the six-month trial, in a pre-election move from the state Labor government.
University student Ashley Brown, who was among those commuting from the Gold Coast to Brisbane this morning, said he typically spends $30 a day on travel.
"I was excited for this week because it is going to be cheaper," he said.
"It is a good change having a little bit left in my pocket at the end of the day."
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the six-month trial could be extended, but it would depend on how many people got on board.
"If it's really successful in the first couple of months we'll be able to announce that we'll extend it, if it's more of a slow burn, a long build, then we'll have to wait and see," he said.
He said services were being monitored and measures were in place to allow them to respond to overcrowding, including sweeper buses.
"The word is that while the trains might be a bit busier than normal, they're within capacity," he said.
Gold Coast commuter Ben Prior said more needed to be done to improve the public transport system than just cheap fares.
"I don't think we need cheaper public transport, I think we need more of it on the Gold Coast," he said.
The state is expected to forgo about $150 million in fare revenue during the trial, with government subsidies for each public transport trip set to spike.
For trains, the government subsidy for every passenger trip in south-east Queensland is now tipped to be $29.47 this financial year – up from $23.98 in 2023-24.
The government subsidy for each passenger trip on buses in the region is also forecast to increase from $5.63 to $6.21 over the same period.
For light rail on the Gold Coast, the subsidy per passenger trip is expected to grow from $4.08 to $4.81.
The new forecasts, released during budget estimates, are based on existing patronage numbers.
A Translink spokesperson said a reduction in fare revenue during the 50 cent fares trial was the predominant factor for the spike in government subsidies.
"The trial aims to put money back into the pockets of Queenslanders, reduce road congestion, and help return public transport patronage to pre-COVID levels," they said.
Rail Back on Track spokesperson Robert Dow expects the forecast subsidy levels will ultimately decline as patronage numbers lift during the trial.
"Public transport saves … big money for the community, even though it might cost to put it on, because it reduces congestion, it reduces health costs, (and) there's less road trauma," he said.
"It's just another service for the community. We're reasonably comfortable with [the subsidies]."
Mr Dow recommended that if commuters had a choice between trains and buses during the trial, they should opt for the train.
"Where you've got rail, use it. There's more capacity on rail and you won't have the problem of full buses, which may eventuate on some routes in Brisbane," he said.
"Trains have got more capacity. You are not going to be denied boarding on a train. If a bus is full, it doesn't take any more passengers."
When the government announced the 50-cent fares measure in May, they said patronage across the public transport network was about 13 per cent below pre-COVID levels.
Those who are travelling the furthest stand to save the most during the trial.
For example, a commuter who travels at peak times between Robina station on the Gold Coast and Central station at Brisbane would usually spend $22.92 each day for a return trip.
Someone who makes that return trip four times a week would spend $91.68, but this would be cut to $4 during the trial – a saving of $87.68 each week.
Translink says a "day-of-operations situation room" has been established to monitor the network during the trial.
A spokesperson also said rail replacement buses would be deployed.
"Translink has worked closely with all delivery partners in the lead-up to the launch to ensure they are prepared for the anticipated uplift in demand and will continue to engage with them post go-live to address any concerns or opportunities," they said.
Commuters who do not properly tap on or off their public transport services will still be charged a "default" fare during the 50-cent fares trial.
This could be in circumstances where a commuter taps onto a train service with a go card at their departing station, but forgets to tap off at their destination.
Translink has confirmed the new default fare during the trial will be set at $2.50 for buses, trains, ferries, and trams for all fare types, including adults, children, and seniors.
The original default fare for adults on buses, trams, and ferries used to be $5, while on trains it was set at $10.
"To allow us to provide more frequent and reliable services and build a more efficient network for customers, we need to ensure everyone is using the system appropriately and tapping on and off correctly," the Translink spokesperson said.
The trial will wrap up in February, on the other side of the October state election.
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