The Club’s research found 58% of commuters surveyed in the south east say the 50 cent fares will entice them to use transport more, especially among those who already use it frequently. 

But Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said the research also found almost 30% of Queenslanders believed the south east’s public transport network did not meet their needs.

“Commuters blamed the lack of direct routes and limited availability of services as the main reasons for not using public transport,” he said.

The findings come ahead of Translink fares being slashed to 50 cents from Monday as part of a six-month trial.

“The focus cannot end after six months, cost is the easiest hurdle to overcome,” Dr Kane said. 

“There will be surges in patronage for particular routes and services, and the Club was keen to monitor which are most in demand and how they cope.” 

“Six months of patronage data will provide important insights which must be used to shape long-term decision making around fare reform and how services can be improved.”

During the trial, commuters will be able to travel on all South East Queensland Translink bus, train, ferry, and tram services and all regional Translink buses for 50 cents, with a round-trip costing just $1.00.

Fares on the Airtrain will also be half-price for six months, dropping to $10.95 for a ticket from Brisbane city to the airport.

Dr Kane said the Government needed to do whatever it could to bring South East Queensland public transport use back to the same levels as other capital cities.

“We need the Government to plan and build a public transport system that more Queenslanders are able and want to use for the long-term. 

“This includes better infrastructure, higher-frequency and faster rail services, and overhauling bus services with more direct, high-frequency services.”