- 50 cent fares kick off tomorrow and customers are encouraged to follow Translink's public transport tips to make their journey easier.
- Public transport users can visit Translink's Service Capacity Tracker to view the predicted patronage on their service based on the day and time they are travelling.
- The best way to plan your journey is by visiting the Translink website or by calling 13 12 30.
Translink has released a range of tips and tricks to assist public transport users with the start of 50 cent fares tomorrow.
For the next six months, all fares on South East Queensland buses, trains (excluding Airtrain), ferries, trams, on demand services, and regional urban bus services will be 50c.
The 50 cent flat rate fares trial will save some customers thousands of dollars during the six-month period.
Whether you frequently catch public transport, are returning to public transport or looking to make the most of the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's history, below are some tips and suggestions to make your journey easier.
To help ensure a positive experience when using public transport, customers are encouraged to follow the below tips and tricks:
- Services in South East Queensland are cashless, so have your go card, contactless card or smart device (for travel on trains, trams and Brisbane River ferries) or valid paper ticket ready.
- Arrive at your stop five minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Use the Translink app or journey planner on the Translink website to plan your journey in advance.
- To hail a bus, stand in a visible location and raise your hand early to ensure the bus driver can see you and has enough time to safely stop the bus.
- To get off a bus, press the stop button well before your stop, to allow the driver to stop smoothly and safely.
- Don't forget to tap on and tap off
- Treat all public transport staff and other passengers with courtesy and respect (see Passenger Code of Conduct).
- If you're transferring to another service, your fare will still be 50 cents, as long as you transfer within the time limit.
Service Capacity Tracker:
South East Queensland public transport users can also use Translink's upgraded Service Capacity Tracker to view a forecast of the space available on each service based on the day and time they are travelling.
Launched in 2020 to help customers predict available space on public transport services during COVID-19 restrictions, the Service Capacity Tracker has been revamped ahead of the launch of the 50c fare trial.
Using a combination of historical patronage data and forecast travel behaviour changes, the tracker provides customers an insight into the likely capacity availability in a simplified "traffic light" display.
Payment options for public transport:
go cards can be used on any Translink bus, train, ferry, and tram services in SEQ.
SEQ customers travelling on an adult fare can also tap on and tap off any SEQ train, tram or Brisbane River ferry service using their contactless debit/credit card or smart device, as well as their go card.
Customers paying for their travel with a go card can buy or top up their go card at more than 680 locations across SEQ including:
- Selected retailers where you see the 'buy' or 'top-up' symbol.
- Attended Queensland Rail station ticket offices.
- Fare machines at train stations, tram stations, busway stations, and selected bus interchanges (adult cards only).
Alternatively, go cards can be purchased or topped up online at the Translink website or over the phone by calling 13 12 30.
The easiest way to ensure you always have enough money to travel is to activate auto top-up on your go card. You can set this up by registering your go card online on the Translink website.
When your go card balance falls below $5, it will automatically top-up with the amount of your choice.
In South East Queensland, paper tickets are available for purchase from on-platform fare machines at major stations and interchanges, as well as ticket offices at attended Queensland Rail train stations.
In regional areas, paper tickets are available for purchase on-board buses.
Park 'n' rides:
Translink provides dedicated parking facilities close to public transport hubs, known as park 'n' rides. These facilities allow customers to 'park' their vehicle and 'ride' public transport to complete their journey.
Modelling indicates the forecast patronage uplift could impact the availability of parking at certain stations, park 'n' ride facilities, and bus interchanges.
These impacts are not dissimilar to what was experienced at these locations prior to COVID, where demand for parking was high but at sustainable levels.
Customers are always encouraged to consider active and alternative transport options, such as walking, cycling, or catching connecting bus services.
As stated by Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:
"This is a fantastic cost of living initiative by the Miles Labor Government, with Queenslanders set to save hundreds of dollars over the next 6 months.
"We want to make sure it's a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users.
"It might be a little busier than usual, so remember – be patient, be cool, be safe, and make use of the tips that Transklink have put together to make your journey more comfortable.
"I encourage everyone to jump on board public transport and make the most of these cheap fares to visit some of the great places not only in South East Queensland, but also on our regional bus networks."
As stated by Department of Transport and main Roads Director General, Sally Stannard:
"It's just one day to go until the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's modern history.
"We know people are excited for the 50 cent fares trial but we also want to ensure a positive experience for both new and existing public transport users, so it's important to plan your journey in advance and have your preferred payment method ready.
"It's important to remember this is a trial and Translink will monitor all aspects of it closely to inform future decisions around services and fares.
"Customers are encouraged to plan their journey in advance by visiting the Translink website, using the Translink app or by calling 13 12 30."
