The recent Queensland State election saw public transport policy as a key point of the campaign and an important issue for voters. The win for Labour has resulted in the first of their election promises becoming a reality: free travel after nine journeys a week.
To commence from July 1, the scheme will see commuters qualify for free travel after nine paid journeys a week. According to the Courier Mail, commuters stand to save as much as $667 a year from the policy. Other promises made that will benefit commuters include more frequent day services on the Ferny Grove line and a reduction in public transport fare increases.
Labour’s key public transportation policies included:
- Commuters will qualify for unlimited free trips after taking nine journeys on the bus, train or ferry in any given week, costing $55.7 million over four years.
- $19.15 million boost to the Translink Station Upgrade Program over three years, taking the investment to more than $137 million.
- $39.9 million to fund 95 new road upgrade projects over three years.
- $28 million for a North Brisbane Cycleway, secure bike parking spaces and regional cycling initiatives.
We definitely think that the tenth trip free policy is a good one for encouraging public transportation usage; provided that the public system works and is reliable!