Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) Public Transport Levy is about building a better, more accessible transport network for all communities, including those currently without any public transport services.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said Council was aware that many residents, particularly in rural and regional townships, had provided feedback on the value of the levy, especially when they don't currently benefit from public transport services.
"We understand the frustration of residents in towns, where public transport is limited or non-existent," Mayor McDonald said.
"This is exactly why we introduced the levy, to advocate more effectively to the Queensland Government for improved services across the entireregion."
Mayor McDonald said the Public Transport Levy, introduced in the 2024/25 Budget, is already being used to fund strategic work designed to secure long-term improvements.
Key initiatives currently underway include:
- Leveraging smart technologies and supporting the State's 50c fare initiative
- A major network service review to better meet the needs of regional and outer urban communities
- Education and promotion of the existing public transport system
- Planning for special event services and new transport incentives
- Infrastructure development to support future service growth
"Council is placing particular focus on expanding services to currently underserved areas. We're actively considering how service models from other Queensland regions could be adapted for our regional towns," Mayor McDonald said.
"This is a regional effort with regional funding, and we believe that by standing together, we have the best chance of delivering fairer, more frequent, and more accessible transport across the Toowoomba Region," Mayor McDonald said.
