…The relatively small difference between Victoria, where public transport was free, and NSW – where fares remained unchanged – suggests price is not the main constraint on mode shift. Access, travel time, service reliability and the ability to make specific trips appear to matter more.
I can speak somewhat of the SE Qld situation, having 50c fares in place for a while now but it’s not the same as Victoria or Melbourne.
My knowledge comes mainly from friends and relatives. There’s been a sharp uptake locally because my rural city is at the end of the Brisbane metro train line. It’s a massive saving. 20 or so dollars, dependent on your fare category.
Brisbane, from my couple of sources, is the same. They’re leaving their cars home more often and catching the train into work and town recreationally, so are their colleagues. I understand the takeup in Brisbane has been pretty significant.
I’ve taken advantage of it twice on the local buses, I like it.
I’m also in Qld in a rural area and have also heard the 50c fares have been taken up well in Brisbane.