In Queensland (Australia), the Labor (about as close to middle of the road as we get in terms of left / right policitcs) state government enacted 50c fares for public transport. Any form of public transport, any distance, 50c. Some fares used to be well over $5.00+ so for some people that meant public transport costs went from $50+ per week down to $5 a week.
It’s had a big impact to the number of people using public transport, though in the short term its still somewhat limited by availability - for example if I was to take public transport to work I’d need about three separate buses - but IMO that will get fixed as the uptake in usage results in the demand being recognised and additional buses and routes being provided to suit.
Unfortunately the Labor government was just replaced by a Liberal (capital L, “economic liberal”, right wing, conservative) government so I have no doubt we’re going to lose 50c fairs and get more toll roads instead.
In Queensland (Australia), the Labor (about as close to middle of the road as we get in terms of left / right policitcs) state government enacted 50c fares for public transport. Any form of public transport, any distance, 50c. Some fares used to be well over $5.00+ so for some people that meant public transport costs went from $50+ per week down to $5 a week.
It’s had a big impact to the number of people using public transport, though in the short term its still somewhat limited by availability - for example if I was to take public transport to work I’d need about three separate buses - but IMO that will get fixed as the uptake in usage results in the demand being recognised and additional buses and routes being provided to suit.
Unfortunately the Labor government was just replaced by a Liberal (capital L, “economic liberal”, right wing, conservative) government so I have no doubt we’re going to lose 50c fairs and get more toll roads instead.