Locking in Cost of Living Support (50 Cent Fares Forever) Amendment Bill 2025

Overview

This bill was discharged and did not become law. It sought to make 50 cent public transport fares permanent across Queensland's Translink network by amending the Transport Operations (Passenger Transport) Act 1994. Introduced by the Opposition following a six-month trial that began in August 2024, which saw an 18.3% increase in patronage and saved commuters over $181 million in fares.

Who it affects

All Queenslanders who use Translink buses, trains, and ferries would have had their fares permanently capped at 50 cents per journey, including regional urban bus users.

Key changes

• Would have capped all Translink fares at 50 cents or less per journey, enshrined in legislation
• Applied to both existing and future service contracts across the network, including regional urban buses
• Aimed to prevent future governments from raising fares without changing the law
• Built on a six-month trial that delivered 18.3% patronage growth and over $181 million in savings for commuters