Public transport costs reduced in Qld

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says savings from scrapping the carbon tax will be used to reduce public transport costs by five per cent.

Passengers board a Queensland Rail train

For the first time in Queensland's history, commuters will enjoy cheaper public transport fares. (AAP)

Queensland commuters will enjoy a reduction in public transport costs for the first time in the state's history.

Premier Campbell Newman announced on Sunday the Queensland government would use a spare $30 million in the transport budget thanks to carbon tax savings to reduce fares by five per cent.

It will mean a regular weekday passenger travelling a two-zone trip would save $83.16 a year, he said.

The fare cut was the result of a survey that asked commuters whether they wanted cheaper fares or more services.

"The people of Queensland have spoken," Mr Newman told reporters.

"Seventy four per cent of people said they'd like to see fares dropped - we totally agree with that."

Mr Newman said there would also be a fare freeze during 2015.

The fare reductions will come into effect on November 3.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Jackie Trad said the Liberal National Party's (LNP) privatisation plans after the next election would negate any benefits from the reduced fares.

"If the LNP regains office its privatisation plans will kick in and change the face of our existing public transport system through job cuts, service cuts, and fare hikes," Ms Trad said in a statement.

The next state election is due to be held in 2015.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world