- Queenslanders have so far saved almost $200 million since the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares were introduced for public transport.
- This week marks six months since the cheapest public transport fares in Queensland's modern history became permanent.
- Public transport is the best and cheapest stress-free option for Ekka travel, with Exhibition Station open and 50 cent fares in place.
More than 96 million trips have so far been taken on public transport since the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares were introduced - delivering cost of living relief and saving Queenslanders almost $200 million.
Since the permanent cost of living relief was delivered in February, data to the end of July, shows there has been a 16 per cent increase in trips on the public transport network across south east Queensland.
Under Labor, there were no plans to make 50 Cent Fares permanent - and they would have ended in February - as they didn't allocate any funding in the Budget beyond the six-month trial.
Buses saw the biggest jump in patronage numbers, with customers taking 59.1 million trips, followed by trains (26.8 million), trams (6.6 million), and ferries (3.5 million).
Customers across regional Queensland have also jumped on board, with patronage on Translink's regional buses increasing by 41 per cent in Cairns, 91 per cent in Townsville and 42 per cent in the Whitsunday's to the end of June.
With the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares and the Exhibition train station reopening to welcome patrons into the Brisbane Showgrounds, getting to and from the Ekka on public transport in 2025 will be cheap and convenient.
Bus and train connections from across South East Queensland connect with the Exhibition loop service meaning there is no excuse to miss the action.
Regular buses are also running to Herston busway station, just a short walk from Ekka. Bus users should check the Translink journey planner prior to travel with weekend closures of Brisbane CBD busway stations during Ekka.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said six months on from making 50 cent fares permanent, the results speak for themselves.
"Queenslanders are saving money and embracing public transport as the most affordable and accessible travel option, with support for 50 cent fares climbing to 92 per cent since we made them permanent," Minister Mickelberg said.
"From work commutes to weekend outings, the LNP's Permanent 50 Cent Fares are making staying connected cheap and easy – helping to relieve cost- of-living pressures for Queenslanders.
"For just $1 return to the Ekka, public transport can take anyone from anywhere on the South East Queensland network right to the heart of the show."
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said it was pleasing to have the upgraded Exhibition station open for Ekka this year to provide better access for attendees.
"Trains will run to Exhibition station regularly, so we encourage the public to jump on board for a quick and easy journey into the heart of the Ekka," Ms Stapleton said.
"We're all about helping people get where they need to go in a convenient and safe way.
"On People's Day, Wednesday 13 August, we will also have a steam train operating from Roma Street to the Ekka to celebrate Queensland Rail's 160th birthday!"
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said the new Exhibition Station was a game changer for not just the Ekka but for the Brisbane Showgrounds event precinct
"This new station offers great accessibility and it's just wonderful that people can arrive and depart from inside the Ekka for the first time since 2022,'' Mr Christou said.
"There is no better way to get to the Show and with the gates opening this Saturday we encourage the public to jump on board."
To plan your Ekka travel, head online to translink.com.au/ekka , use the Translink app, or call 13 12 30.
