If the seats would otherwise have gone empty then there is no significant cost to QR or the Queensland taxpayer.
Interesting you should say that ButFli, every time we have raised the possibility of free travel for seniors on Sunday using the space that is available (no real costs) TL always come back and say it costs money. Using that argument then the loss in revenue is real from these passes (from a TL perspective ...

)
Personally I don't have a problem with QR employees getting free rail travel during employment or as a long service entitlement on retirement. Their travel options are sensible. The GOLD pass for politicians though is a different kettle of fish. For two, unlimited first class rail travel is bit of a perk. It is an historical oddity, meant something once when the conditions of employment of politicians was a lot different and rail was the means of travel. These days, federal politicians with certain qualifications now get a gold pass for them and partner for 1st class air travel. A considerable drain on the public purse. I expect this Gold pass for rail will be phased out in time, and I hope the air passes as well.
