Press release:
Off-peak cheaper fares will start half an hour earlier to boost affordability and provide more peak capacity for the public transport network.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the 20 per cent off-peak discount would be moved from 9am to start at 8.30am to provide more incentive to travel outside of the core peak period.
“The change to off-peak is the result of our review of the public transport fare path which also confirmed we can afford to deliver our election promise to halve planned fare increase,” Mr Emerson said.
“This 12-month trial will begin in January 2014.
“The option to extend off-peak was a recommendation to increase capacity on the train network, delivered by a panel of experts as part of the Brisbane Inner Rail Solution report.
“While this recommendation was proposed for rail, the trial will apply to all modes across the TransLink network.
“This will give passengers the option to move their trip a few minutes later, out of the busy core peak period and save 20 per cent off their fare.”
Based on 2012 figures, about 8000 passengers a day, travelling between 8.30am and 9am will receive off-peak discounts under the trial and up to 16,000 passengers, who travel between 8am and 8.30am will have the option travel outside the peak period.
Based on current modeling by TransLink, this incentive is expected to encourage 2000-3000 people a day to travel after 8.30am.
The travel period is calculated from the time a passenger touches on their go card at a train station, or on board a ferry or bus.
“We are already working on other recommendations to improvement rail capacity such as better signaling and drafting improved timetables,” Mr Emerson said.