The standardisation of fares and zones across all regional areas will allow the implementation of the Palaszczuk Government's Smart Ticketing system and deliver greater convenience across the regions.
Changes to public transport fares will be rolled out progressively across 16 urban bus networks from July, bringing a more consistent fare structure to Queensland.
The changes will mean the majority of urban regional transport customers will pay less or the same.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the change followed a review of fares and zones across regional Queensland.
"Right now, fares and zones differ across all regional areas and we want to introduce a more equitable zone structure across regional Queensland – similar to what is in place in South East Queensland," Mr Bailey said.
"Once the consistent fare and zone structure has been introduced to these regional areas, the progressive rollout of Smart Ticketing will be able to begin.
"Right now, the Palaszczuk Government is delivering a new Smart Ticketing system across the state, which will for the first time allow Queenslanders to use their credit, debit and go card or smart device to pay for public transport.
"To ensure this integrates with the current system, we're installing new readers across our train, bus and ferry fleet state-wide.
"This will make it easier for people right around Queensland, from the Coast to the Cape, to understand transport fares and access public transport."
Translink Deputy Director-General Sally Stannard said the move would also see current qconnect bus networks become Translink-branded. "Operating under the Translink brand will bring a number of benefits which will be seen by customers, including access to integrated journey planning and Translink's 24/7 contact centre (13 12 30)," Ms Stannard said
"The journey planner, MyTranslink app, and contact centre are used extensively by SEQ customers, and I am pleased our regional customers will be able to access these tools."
Mr Bailey said a single zone journey will cost $2.40 (adult) and $1.20 (concession) across all of Queensland and increases of $0.60 (adult) and $0.30 (concession) would apply for each extra zone travelled.
"The changes will see the majority of regional urban bus trips paying less or the same," he said.
"There's nothing better than a cheaper trip on public transport at a time when it's needed most.
"This is great news for passengers across the state who will now have a consistent fare structure wherever they live.
"School transport fares will also be aligned with the new fare and zone structures and I encourage every parent to check if the cost of bus travel to their child's school will be changing."
Mr Bailey said the phased implementation would kick in from Monday, 4 July 2022 for Warwick, Innisfail, Bowen, Whitsundays (urban only), Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
From September to the end of January 2023, the changes will be introduced progressively across the remaining regional areas of Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Gympie, Whitsunday (school network), Rockhampton-Yeppoon, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, and Kilcoy.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing the transport services Queenslanders want and need, right across the state," Mr Bailey said.
"We're building buses and trains right here in Queensland – supporting jobs, developing skills and boosting the Queensland economy as we continue our strong recovery.
"I look forward to seeing more people giving public transport a try here, there and everywhere."
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