Queensland's 50-cent public transport fares made permanent

The Queensland Government has announced that 50c fares on public transport will be permanent from today.

A trial f the low cost fares was initially brought in by Labor before the state election, then backed by the Coalition.

The six-month trial ended yesterday, but the Crisafulli government has pledged $1.5 billion to keep the scheme in place.

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Since the discount was introduced in August, public transport usage has risen 18 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Over six months, fare savings have totalled $180 million.

For a commuter travelling from Caboolture to Brisbane City, a standard adult bus fare would have previously cost $18 per day or $2395 over six months.

Under the 50c fare scheme, that same journey costs $133 - a difference of over $2000

More than 93 million trips have been taken since August last year with significant increases on all services.

While the policy comes at a significant cost to the budget, it's a win for passengers and their wallets.

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