- Miles Labor Government is gearing up to 50 cent fares, getting the network ready for the nation leading shake up to the Queensland public transport network.
- In Brisbane, 37 of 200 Queensland made buses being delivered by the Miles Government have been built and are ready to redeploy to boost capacity.
- The 200 buses are being delivered as part of an over $133 million investment by the government, and are primarily used to assist commuters during scheduled rail track closures.
Premier Steven Miles and Transport Minister Bart Mellish have today celebrated the construction of 50 of 200 Queensland made buses being delivered as part of a $133.8 million investment.
37 of the 50 Queensland made buses will now be deployed to boost capacity on the Brisbane bus network in anticipation of the landmark 50 cent fares trial kicking off in just two weeks.
The remainder will continue to support commuters during rail track closures, including major accessibility upgrades underway at five South East Queensland train stations.
13 additional buses will be provided by Translink's bus delivery partners, taking the total to 50 additional buses for 50 cent fares.
It's just one of many preparations underway by the State Government to ensure Queensland commuters continue to enjoy reliable and accessible public transport.
This includes collaboration between Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Translink and delivery partners to ramp up monitoring of the many connected public transport modes across the state.
The government is also exploring increased parking capacity near transport hubs to ensure as many Queenslanders who want to leave the car at home or at the station can do so easily.
50 cent fares is the cheapest public transport has been in Queensland's modern history.
During the six-month trial starting 5 August, people will be able to travel on bus, train, ferry, tram, on demand services in South East Queensland, and all regional urban buses for just 50 cents – putting money back in the pockets of Queenslanders.
For example, an adult commuter who catches the train during peak between Helensvale and Central station eight times per week using a go card would save $2,100 throughout the trial period.
Patronage on the South East Queensland public transport network across all modes remains at about 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
Translink modelling is forecasting public transport patronage could re-aligning with pre-COVID levels during the trial.
The Queensland made buses to be used during the 50 cent fares trial are Euro 6 diesel buses on a Volvo chassis, and have been built by local workers at Volgren's Eagle Farm manufacturing facility.
They are accessible and have been designed to ensure everyone has access to public transport, including people in a wheelchair, and people travelling with luggage or prams.
Volgren is producing 165 of the 200 Queensland made buses for the State Government, while Scania is building 35 Euro 6 diesel buses with BusTech bodies at its manufacturing facility at Rocklea.
All 200 buses are on track for delivery by the end of this year.
The government's investment to support good local manufacturing jobs is already paying dividends – supporting hundreds of jobs and training and apprenticeship opportunities through the life of the contract.
The Euro 6 diesel bus is also the lowest emissions diesel bus available to be made in Queensland in mass production at this time.
Public transport users concerned about overcrowding can visit Translink's Service Capacity Tracker to view the predicted patronage on their service based on the day and time they are travelling.
