Many Sunshine Coast locals and visitors have been making the most of the state government’s cheap public transport scheme.
Patronage in the region has increased by more than 11 per cent since 50c fares were introduced on August 5.
It was initially announced as a six-month trial but both major parties have now committed to keeping the scheme for at least four years, after an uptick in usage.
A Translink spokesperson said the project provided cost-of-living relief.
“Sunshine Coast public transport users have saved more than $1 million since the start of the trial (from early August to early September),” they said.
“Translink data shows residents and tourists alike jumped on board all modes of Sunshine Coast public transport during the first four weeks of the trial.”
More than 420,000 trips were taken during that time.
That includes about 370,000 trips by bus: an 8 per cent increase.
Translink has expanded its bus resources to help cater for the growth.
“There are 33 urban bus routes operating from the Sunshine Coast,” the spokesperson said.
“We have been running additional services on route 631 to assist with demand on Eumundi market days.”
There were about 50,000 trips by train.
“Customers have jumped on board the 250 scheduled train services to and from the Sunshine Coast per week,” the spokesperson said.
About 35,000 of the train trips were from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane: a 40 per cent increase.
There has also been a considerable uptake of 50c fares across Translink services around the state.
In recent years, combined bus, ferry and train patronage was at 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. But during the trial, patronage has soared to above pre-COVID levels.
As a result, both major parties have committed to extending the scheme for at least four years.
Premier Steven Miles said Queenslanders had jumped aboard the initiative.
“Making public transport (almost) free is something I wanted to do for a long time,” he said.
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“I said it was use it or lose it.
“Queenslanders across the south-east and through the regions have backed it. They have voted with their feet in support of cheaper public transport and that’s good for everyone.
“As a result, there are millions in savings back in the pockets of hardworking Queenslanders.”
Opposition leader David Crisafulli said the scheme would remain if the LNP was elected in October.
“Not only will we lock in 50 cent fares, we have a plan to make sure we increase frequency, reliability and safety for regional Queensland and outer Brisbane areas,” he said.
