RAIL - Back On Track Forum

Based on the BT figures, we have got a 10% increase by forgoing potentially a 30% increase if the same money was just spent on frequency and not fares.

That is the proper comparison, not whether patronage increases were greater than zero.

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1821561958325502408

Brisbane Airtrain has also had a solid increase in passenger numbers, at this time around 45%.

Overall increase in passengers numbers for day one (5th August 2024) was 9.8%.

" One swallow does not a summer make ... "  Aristotle



We will need to wait a few weeks to get a better appreciation of patronage changes. 

But early data suggests a good positive response. 

Trains and ferry are coming from the lowest base.

Thru peak services appear to be the biggest winners visually so far particularly the anti peak legs.

Redcliffe trains seem to have the biggest uptake which is made worse with feeders hitting all the tru services which were already quite congested in peak hour. Bit of a catch 22 there.

Fare evasion is still rife with Bowen Hills and Milton. Even though it's 50 cents considering how long people have been fare evading it's still not much incentive to actually pay. Queuing times has also been another suggestion as to why some prefer to fare evade especially with P3/4 at Bowen Hills where you can have a slow moving line the length of a 3 car set before 7am.

As predicted but so far it seems particular routes and services have had patronage bumps while others such as scenic tour routes have had no/minimal patronage increases. Even with cheaper fares tour buses still appear to be avoided even with cheaper fares. From what I have been told Thompsons has seen varying patronage which changes day to day. Will wait to see how this goes over time but it looks like people are trying the network only to revert back to other means due to poor span of hours/poor frequency. 60 minute peak frequency in 2024. Really? Redcliffe seems to be bucking that trend at the moment which is good to see. 345s appear to be visually bunching more in peak hour than previously.

Still early stages to really draw any patronage conclusions but interesting observations so far.

I ended up on a 575 this morning (caught part way between Loganholme and Springwood), and for a Friday I was quite surprised how many people were on the bus. It was by no means full, probably 6 odd people but on a Friday I'm used to it being my private limo at least until Chatswood Road.

Another thing I noticed yesterday was that while a lot of park n rides are filling up a lot quicker than previously, the Slacks Creek Park N Ride was still a little more than 50% full at 7:30am. I put this down to the lack of regular, all day city-bound services from there. Personally, I think the 555 should be altered to service the stop, as a prelude to the envisioned establishment of a busway station there (well, across the highway from there).

https://x.com/7NewsGoldCoast/status/1821814596006768727

To the moon!

Good.

GC light rail is probably now around > 120% pre-covid patronage     

Government Statement

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101081

Public Transport records tumble with 50 cent Fares

14th August 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

. Saturday and Sunday set weekend patronage records for the South East Queensland (SEQ) public transport network.

. SEQ public transport use increased overall during the first week of the trial with patronage almost returning to pre-COVID levels.

. Translink data shows South East Queenslanders saved more than $7 million during the first week of the trial based on the same number of trips under the previous fare structure.

. Airtrain passengers are also making the most of half price fares with an 18% increase in passenger numbers in the first week, as well as a 69% increase in airport staff tickets.

The six-month trial of 50 cent fares is off to a flying start as records tumble across the first week.

Patronage increased across all modes during the first week of the trial with South East Queensland public transport use returning to 98.5 per cent of pre-COVID levels for the week as a whole.

More than four million passenger trips were taken, with total trips up 11.1 per cent from the previous week and up 11.6 per cent from a comparable week in 2023-24. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays were the busiest days in the week.

The weekend was a standout with Saturday and Sunday both recording their busiest days ever on the network.

While weekend figures were boosted by busy crowds at Suncorp Stadium for the Wallabies v South Africa and Dolphins v Warriors, and at the Gabba for the Brisbane Lions v GWS Giants, free travel arrangements were in place for these games and patrons did not need to tap on.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"We put the call out for Queenslanders to make the most of this trial and they are doing just that.

"These are encouraging results that are delivering real savings for commuters.

"My government is continuing to do what matters for Queenslanders by delivering record cost-of-living relief."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Bart Mellish:

"How fantastic to see South East Queenslanders getting out and about on public transport while keeping money in their pockets.

"In the first week of 50 cent fares, we have almost returned to pre-COVID levels which is a great result.

"This is a cost-of-living initiative first and foremost and on average, South East Queenslanders saved more than $1 million per day last week.

"It's not just commuters who are benefiting - we said before the trial that 50 cent fares would provide a great opportunity for residents and tourists to explore some of the great locations across our region and the data shows people did exactly that over the weekend.

"We saw busy days across all modes of the public transport, including the busiest weekends ever in the South East, but still within capacity of existing services, which is exactly what we hoped for."

Fast facts from Monday, August 5 to Sunday, August 11:

More than four million passenger trips were taken in the first week of the trial.

There was more than $7 million in savings from the first week of the trial, based on the same number of trips being taken under the previous fares structure.

Trips were up 11.1 per cent across all four modes in SEQ compared to the week before 50 cent fares started.

Trips were up 11.6 per cent across SEQ against a comparable week in 2023-24.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were the busiest days of the week for total trip numbers.

It was the first week to exceed one million journeys on South East Queensland trains since the week ending March 15, 2020.

Wednesday, August 7 was the busiest day on the train network since March 12, 2020 and was up 11.9 per cent on the Wednesday the week before.

August 10 and 11 were the busiest Saturday and Sunday in the history of the South East Queensland public transport network with Saturday up 17.4 per cent on pre-COVID levels and Sunday up 15.9 per cent on pre-COVID levels.

The most bus (up 15.8 per cent on pre-COVID levels) and train (up 11 per cent on pre-COVID levels) trips in a single Saturday were taken on August 10.

August 11 was the busiest Sunday of all time on the bus network with trips up 16.6 per cent on pre-COVID levels and the second busiest Sunday ever on the train network with a 6.9 per cent increase on pre-COVID levels.

Ferries set an all-time record for a busiest Saturday on August 10 with trips up 47.4 per cent on pre-COVID levels. The ferry trip numbers on this day were almost 50 per cent higher than both Ekka Saturdays in 2019 and 2023.

Airtrain passengers are also making the most of half price fares with an 18% increase in passenger numbers in the first week, as well as a 69% increase in airport staff tickets.

More information about the six-month trial of 50 cent fares is available on the Translink website.

ENDS

Facebook ...

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1823535714036015397

Couriermail --> Record breaking public transport as SEQ passengers jump on 50c fare deal $

QuoteTwo public transport records were broken last weekend as Queenslanders took advantage of the government's 50c fare deal, but bus patronage remained relatively low, with the state Transport Minister conceding the service could be more efficient.

More than four million trips were taken across the SEQ network during the first week of the six-month 50c fare offering, driving patronage numbers up 11 per cent, or 400,000 trips, compared to the week prior. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1823733264324194423

Brisbanetimes --> 50c fares bring public transport back from COVID cliff into record territory $

QuoteTransport Minister Bart Mellish has hailed record-breaking public transport patronage in the first week of the state government's trial of flat 50-cent fares across the network – particularly in south-east Queensland.

The number of train, bus, ferry and light-rail trips during the first seven days jumped 11.1 per cent – an extra 400,000 journeys – from the week before to 98.5 per cent of pre-COVID levels, with the weekend the busiest ever. ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1823738696820265156

Been booked for an interview on 4BC Breakfast ~ 7:10am.

It is time Translink and Government really pushed the health, economic and tax-payer benefits not just the cost-of-living.

Quote from: ozbob on August 15, 2024, 05:37:51 AMBeen booked for an interview on 4BC Breakfast ~ 7:10am.

4BC Breakfast

Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track, joined Laurel, Gary and Mark on 4BC Breakfast to dissect the first week of the Queensland Government's 50c fares.

https://www.4bc.com.au/podcast/public-transport-operators-have-risen-to-the-occasion-first-week-of-50c-fares-a-success/

====

Interview 15th August 2024 4BC Breakfast hosts Laurel, Gary and Mark with Robert Dow RBoT discussion on the first week of the 50 cent fares.

here > https://backontrack.org/docs/4bc/4bc_breakfast_rd_15aug24.mp3 MP3 5.5MB

InQueensland --> Why 50 cents makes perfect sense for commuters climbing on for a fare deal

Bart Mellish MP Facebook > https://www.facebook.com/reel/518168774033922

https://x.com/railbotforum/status/1824110361781625120

Gold Coast Bulletin --> Train trips up by almost 30 per cent and trams by 20 per cent after record fares cut $

Quote... Number crunching of Transport Department data shows:

* More than 600,000 trips were taken across buses, trains and trams from Monday, August 5 to Sunday, August 11.

* Train trips from Coast stations were up 28.6 per cent and light rail trips up 19.6 per cent when compared to pre-Covid levels.

* Coast public transport users saved more than $1.5m during the first week of the trial – based on the same number of trips being taken under the previous fares structure.

* Cavill Avenue was the busiest light rail station – averaging 5500 boardings per day during the week – with Friday the busiest day on the light rail network (more than 40,000 trips taken). ...

https://x.com/ozbob13/status/1825573597328338956

Queensland Parliament Ministerial Statements

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/events/han/2024/2024_08_22_DAILY.pdf

Thornton, Dr M, AM; Public Transport

Hon. BJ MELLISH(Aspley—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital
Services) (10.17 am): I would like to start by associating myself with the comments of previous speakers
regarding Dr Merle Thornton. Merle was a Queensland great who dared to challenge societal norms
and do things differently. Cross River Rail named one of the tunnel-boring machines after her in honour
of her trailblazing spirit. Vale, Merle.

More directly onto transport matters, the Miles government's 50-cent fares trial has been an
outstanding success so far. It is an Australian-first initiative that has already saved Queenslanders more
than $15 million. Patronage has increased across all modes, with South-East Queensland public
transport use reaching 99 per cent of pre-COVID levels. I am proud to be part of a government that is
delivering real cost-of-living relief, keeping money in the pockets of hardworking Queenslanders.
Already public transport records have been broken across our network and some of the numbers
are outstanding. For example, the latest data from Tuesday, 20 August shows: buses up 9.5 per cent
on last year, ferries up 31 per cent on last year, light rail up 20 per cent on last year and rail up 15 percent on last year. Airtrain passengers are also making the most of half-price fares, with an 18 per cent increase in passenger numbers in the first week as well as a 69 per cent increase in airport staff tickets.

It is not just the weekday commuters who are benefiting. We are seeing thousands more
Queenslanders out and about using public transport on the weekend to visit family and friends, head to
the footy or head to the beach, all for just 50 cents. The past two weekends have been the busiest two
weekends ever on our public transport network. Saturday just gone was the busiest ever Saturday with
over 400,000 trips, up more than 23 per cent on last year; and Sunday was the busiest ever Sunday on
the network with almost 300,000 trips, up 22 per cent on last year.

None of this would be possible without our hardworking transport staff. I want to take the
opportunity to extend a sincere thank you to our Translink, Queensland Rail and TMR staff and our bus,
tram and ferry delivery partners who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the front lines
for months to ensure this trial was a success. Our transport workers are the backbone of our network,
helping to get you where you need to go safely and efficiently. As the Minister for Transport I could not
be prouder to back our transport cost-of-living initiatives. It is only a Labor government that will continue to listen to Queenslanders to help deliver the relief they need when they need it most.
Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate you on a long and substantial career. It has been a
pleasure to work with you and for you in a variety of roles and I wish you all of the best for whatever
comes next.

Some latest figures harvested from various sources. 

I have requested data from Translink, still waiting 

Train up 12.9%

Bus up 8.5%

Ferry up 26%

It does vary from line to line, route to route.  I hoping to get that data in time.

Report on ABC Sunshine Coast Radio, Sunshine Coast line 31% increase.

Overall patronage has recovered to pre-covid levels.

What is the network-wide figure across all modes? 

Quote from: #Metro on August 30, 2024, 07:42:29 AMWhat is the network-wide figure across all modes? 

~ + 13.7%

Quote from: Bart MellishFor example, the latest data from Tuesday, 20 August shows: buses up 9.5 per cent
on last year, ferries up 31 per cent on last year, light rail up 20 per cent on last year and rail up 15 percent on last year.

QuoteThe past two weekends have been the busiest two
weekends ever on our public transport network. Saturday just gone was the busiest ever Saturday with
over 400,000 trips, up more than 23 per cent on last year; and Sunday was the busiest ever Sunday on
the network with almost 300,000 trips, up 22 per cent on last year.

So these figures suggest a few things:

- Price change impacts are seen for the most frequent modes (LRT/Ferries). For the lowest frequency mode, not much impact (understandably because you can't catch a low priced bus if it isn't available).

- Consideration should be given to either having two off-peak categories, a weekday off-peak and a weekend-off peak, or possibly a more discounted off-peak fare.

Overall, I still think frequency increases are better value for money and could be implemented quickly with little reliance on new infrastructure (e.g. more frequent trains on weekends, like Perth).

Quote from: ozbob on August 30, 2024, 07:40:17 AMSome latest figures harvested from various sources. 

I have requested data from Translink, still waiting 

Train up 12.9%

Bus up 8.5%

Ferry up 26%

It does vary from line to line, route to route.  I hoping to get that data in time.

Report on ABC Sunshine Coast Radio, Sunshine Coast line 31% increase.

Overall patronage has recovered to pre-covid levels.

Light rail was initially +17% now running at +8%.

A 31 per cent increase for SCL patronage welcome news. If it was a faster service with more frequency and no 'rail buses', how much more would it be? Healthy numbers on the lunchtime northbound Gympielander at Yandina the other day. Seems to be a lot of people on a day out for 50c, visiting the hinterland towns -- using trains one way and route buses the other.

Quote from: Stillwater on August 30, 2024, 12:07:37 PMA 31 per cent increase for SCL patronage welcome news. If it was a faster service with more frequency and no 'rail buses', how much more would it be? Healthy numbers on the lunchtime northbound Gympielander at Yandina the other day. Seems to be a lot of people on a day out for 50c, visiting the hinterland towns -- using trains one way and route buses the other.

I would like to visit Gympie but given that the only return train is 30 minutes after the outbound train arrives, it's infeasible. The fact that there isn't at least one more service per day is plain ridiculous. It's useless if you aren't a commuter heading into the city. Ideally it should be on a 1.5hr or 2hr cadence from 6am to 8pm inbound, 10pm or 12pm outbound depending on the night.

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/101266

Miles Doing What Matters: Public transport breaks records as commuters save $29 million in fares

5th September 2024

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier
The Honourable Steven Miles

Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
The Honourable Bart Mellish

South East Queensland (SEQ) public transport customers have backed the Miles Labor Government's 50 cent fares, saving millions and pushing public transport patronage to record levels.

Across SEQ, fare savings have saved public transport users more than $29 million, putting the daily savings about just over $1 million.

As happy customers are benefitting from this windfall, public transport patronage has passed pre-COVID levels for the first time, with more than 15 million trips taken since 50 cent fares were introduced on August 5.

The steady increase in patronage has seen pre-COVID patronage levels reached for the first time, with overall trips now 2.4 per cent higher than the comparative pre-COVID period.

The number of trips on the network is 14.5 per cent higher than a comparative period last year.

Light Rail: 18.6 per cent higher than the same period last year
Ferries: 40.6 per cent higher than the same period last year
Buses: 12.1 per cent higher than the same period last year
Rail: 16 per cent higher than the same period last year

We are seeing strong patronage growth on weekdays and very strong growth on weekends, as customers take advantage the 50 cent fares to ditch the car and explore their region in a cost effective way.

Weekend trips have been between 30 and 40 per cent above the pre-COVID comparative period.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

"I said 50 cent fares would be use it or lose it – and Queenslanders are using it.

"15 million trips have been taken representing a massive $29 million saved. That's money Queenslanders can put towards the essentials or save for a rainy day.

"I've seen people tag me in their TikTok and Instagram videos about catching the train to work, or the ferry to Howard Smith Wharves for the first time.

"Each trip represents a massive saving to commuters and huge confidence in our broader transport system.

"I want to see this level of success continue as we power through the six-month trial."

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

"We have seen patronage numbers gradually increasing across the network since the beginning of the trial.

"After just one month, public transport trips across SEQ have hit new highs, with pre-COVID levels now exceeded on bus, light rail and ferry.

"Weekend trips have experienced a massive increase as customers take advantage of 50 cent fares to get out and about across the region."

ENDS

Brisbanetimes --> Public transport tops pre-COVID levels as election train builds steam $

QuoteSouth-east Queensland commuters have pushed public transport use above pre-pandemic levels in what the Miles Labor government is hailing as a vote of confidence in its 50¢ flat fare trial.

Updated figures for the first four weeks of the trial come as the government ramps up campaigning before an October 26 election even it has conceded will be tough, with the LNP opposition leading in opinion polls.

Since the trial began on August 5, overall trips across the region's public transport network have jumped 2.4 per cent higher than the comparative pre-COVID period, after years of lagging use, and are up 14.5 per cent on a comparative period last year.

This equates to more than 15 million trips, which the government says represents travel savings of $29 million. Ferries have seen the largest boost, followed by Gold Coast trams, rail, then buses. ...

^  note relative boosts   

https://www.facebook.com/MarkBaileyMP/posts/pfbid02DuBk5bpv6UgyH4TCg2F13PqkowKe3cedn7xHo69t4rZ8BBku2owXuzhtSAgQ6a3Sl?comment_id=534939455741380

QuoteSince 50c fares started last month, we've seen over 15 million trips. That's fewer cars on the road and more savings for commuters. Here's the boost in ridership compared to last year:

- Light Rail: Up 18.6%

- Ferries: Up 40.6%

- Buses: Up 12.1%

- Rail: Up 16%

Is the 40% boost in ferries due to people taking more short trips?
I find myself taking bus rides in my suburb now whereas I otherwise would have always driven to avoid the $10+ return fee. The main limitation for me is still the timetable, whereas ferries are more consistent.


Or is it due to a new ferry terminal?

Don't forget the % increases are relative, here is a table of the absolute patronage gains using the 2022/23 annual patronage figures.  It is a relative overall gain of + 14.4%.

Quote from: SilverChased on September 14, 2024, 06:16:56 AMIs the 40% boost in ferries due to people taking more short trips?
I find myself taking bus rides in my suburb now whereas I otherwise would have always driven to avoid the $10+ return fee. The main limitation for me is still the timetable, whereas ferries are more consistent.


Or is it due to a new ferry terminal?

I suspect there'd be a big boost in weekend patronage. A lot of people take the ferries just for fun/tourism/sightseeing. Now that it's only 50c it's a big incentive. Anecdotally Ive seen a lot of this at southbank and I personally know people with kids who've be doing it as a cheap day out to keep them entertained.

Couriermail --> Premier: 50 cent transport fares here to stay if Labor wins state election $

Quote...

Total trips across all transport types are up 19 per cent compared to the same time last year and were three per cent higher than pre-Covid levels – a significant jump from 13 below pre-Covid levels in July.

Buses saw the highest uptake with more than 2.5 million trips taken, followed by rail, with one million trips and light rail with 270,000 trips, while ferry rides nearly doubled to 152,000 trips.

Over the first five weeks, Queenslanders took an additional 2.6 million trips compared to 2023, one quarter of those taken during the first week of September.

Mr Miles said Queenslanders had voted with their feet, and that the 50 cent fares would be here to stay if Labor wins the October election.

"Making public transport (almost) free is something I've wanted to do for a long time," he said.

"I said it was use it or lose it.

"Queenslanders across the South East and through the regions have backed it."

Public transport use in Mackay and the Whitsundays are up 30.2 per cent and 21.26 per cent respectively, while Cairns has seen an increase of 14.4 per cent compared to July. ...

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-15/qld-50-cent-public-transport-fares-trial-extended-permanent/104353220

Quote... The minister said the increased patronage extended beyond the heavily populated south-east corner, with more regional Queenslanders taking up public transport too.

He said the figures, in comparison to the month immediately before the trial began, were up across a number of areas.  ...

^ I'm not an expert on PT in regional Queensland, but this looks like it's basically in line with the service levels. Cairns is quite good, Rockhampton is horrific.
(Why didn't the change to "Translink" bring them all up to a minimum standard? Anyway...)

I suppose the argument would go that there is no point running buses after midday on Saturday or on Sunday with most shops not permitted to open.  That is of course nonsense since there are plenty of people driving around during these periods, and not all of them have come from cattle stations 300km away.