Acting Premier Andrew Fraser recently announced free travel for frequent users and more off-peak discounts to encourage more people to use South-East Queensland’s public transport network.
Mr Fraser said the Labor Government had moved to introduce new rewards for frequent users that will maximise use of available seats.
“These changes will make life easier for families, students, pensioners and everyone who regularly uses public transport,” Mr Fraser said.
“We’re introducing a ten-journey cap so after your tenth trip using your go card you travel for free in a Monday-to-Sunday week.
“That means a Monday to Friday commuter can travel free all weekend across the network.
“We’re also boosting the off-peak discount for go card from 15 to 20 per cent on all journeys between 9am and 3.30pm, after 7pm, and on weekends and public holidays.
“These discounts will encourage people to use available seats and help smooth peaks in commuter demand.
“This will give people even more of an incentive to travel outside of the peak period and take advantage of the growing number of high-frequency bus, train and ferry services.
“It doesn’t matter whether you catch a bus, train or ferry, all you have to do is use your go card. We want to reward people who frequently use public transport.”
Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 10-journey-then-free weekly incentive for all go card users, along with the increase in off-peak discounts would come into effect on January 2 next year.
“These changes will mean, if you travel to and from work using your go card during the week, you can travel for free on the weekend,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The off-peak fare discount means that if you travel between 9am and 3:30pm or after 7:00pm on weekdays, or all day on weekends, not only will you be able to take advantage of the 20 per cent off-peak discount, you’ll get free travel once you reach the limit.
“We already offer a 50 per cent discount for after people make 10 trips in a week. Now, once you reach 10 trips a week, you travel free.”
Ms Palaszczuk said public transport was now even more cost-effective than running a car to work every day.
“For example, someone travelling from Mt Gravatt to the City would save $6.40 each week by switching from peak to off-peak, and receive free trips once they’ve made their 10 trips a week,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
The changes are being introduced from the beginning of next year, when new fares are due to be introduced.
