Public Transport $0.50 Fares

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A. Simms:

That this council—

1. Notes the Queensland government's announcement that it will make 50¢ fares permanent on all public transport networks in Queensland following a successful six-month trial;

2. Acknowledges that the implementation of 50¢ public transport fares in Queensland has resulted in a significant increase in public transport patronage and positive outcomes for cost of living, traffic congestion, business, and the environment;

3. Notes that Adelaide City Council resolved at its meeting on 11 March 2025 to approach the state government to explore the possibility of implementation of a similar scheme in Adelaide; and

4. Calls on the Malinauskas government to undertake a six-month trial of 50¢ public transport fares as part of its upcoming budget.

The Hon. J.S. LEE (16:43): 

I rise today to support the motion introduced by the Hon. Robert Simms advocating for a 50¢ fare trial for public transport in South Australia. This motion notes the remarkable success of Queensland's recent 50¢ public transport trial, which clearly demonstrates significant and tangible benefits that could similarly be realised in our state.

Data from Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads reveals the 50¢ fare initiative generated an 18.3 per cent rise in overall public transport usage. Bus patronage grew by 15.8 per cent, train usage by 18.6 per cent, and ferry patronage surged dramatically by 42.8 per cent. Equally important, this trial significantly reduced fare evasion, with a 27 per cent decrease in fare evasion fines recorded during the trial period, highlighting that affordable fares directly encourage compliance and increase system integrity.

This substantial increase in public transport patronage can produce positive impacts for South Australia in terms of a reduced reliance on personal vehicles and also mitigate traffic congestion and support sustainable urban growth. Increasing the number of people using public transport directly translates to fewer cars on our roads, leading to reduced emissions, improved air quality and better overall urban liveability.

South Australian families currently face substantial economic pressures, with rising living costs stretching household budgets to their limits. A shift towards affordable public transport fares will substantially ease financial burdens. Consider, for instance, a daily commuter travelling from Elizabeth to the Adelaide CBD via public transport, currently paying around $7 per day, totalling approximately $140 a month and $1,680 per year. Under a 50¢ fare trial, the same commuter will pay only $10 monthly, equating to just $120 for the whole year. This represents an annual saving of around $1,560 in funds that can benefit families and could be redirected towards essential costs such as groceries, utilities and housing.

This affordability becomes even more impactful for lower income households and families reliant on multiple public transport journeys daily. An average family of four, for example, consisting of two adults and two school students commuting regularly, could see savings exceeding $3,464 in one year. These savings represent meaningful financial relief that can substantially improve quality of life and ease daily economic stresses. Beyond the financial benefits, affordable public transport significantly enhances social connectivity. Anglicare's recent survey highlighted how cheaper transport options allow individuals to more frequently visit family and friends, participate in community activities and reduce social isolation.

In addition to addressing cost-of-living pressures, the social impact measure should not be underestimated. Affordable transport has shown to actively foster stronger, healthier community bonds and improve the overall wellbeing of residents by reducing loneliness and enhancing community participation. I can speak very highly about this involvement in community activities from a multicultural community perspective because I see that many of them do not have a driver's licence and they need to get to many community events. They can certainly utilise public transport a lot more frequently if such a measure is introduced.

Furthermore, improved affordability and accessibility of public transport are pivotal solutions to Adelaide's escalating road congestion issues. Recent reports indicate that Adelaide's population has significantly grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, placing additional strain on road infrastructure as private vehicle use has increased. By implementing a 50¢ fare, more people would be encouraged to opt for public transport over private cars, alleviating congestion, particularly on major routes approaching Adelaide's CBD. This transition can substantially improve commute times, decrease pollution levels and enhance the overall sustainability of our urban environment.

In closing, I firmly support the immediate implementation of a six-month 50¢ fare trial in South Australia. This trial will provide crucial data and insight, demonstrating the tangible benefits of affordable public transport economically, socially and environmentally. It represents a genuine investment in the wellbeing of our communities and families and environment. I strongly urge the Malinauskas government to prioritise this initiative, demonstrating a clear commitment to affordable, accessible and sustainable public transport solutions for all South Australians. Once again, I thank the honourable member for introducing this motion. I commend the motion.