Thousands of Seniors living in the Pumicestone electorate will benefit from free off-peak travel on local trains if the LNP wins the next state election on October 31.
Under the LNP’s plan, all trains on the Citytrain network will be free to Seniors between 8.30am and 3.30pm, 7pm and 6am, as well as all day on weekends and public holidays.
It means that Seniors card holders can travel free during these off-peak times from Caboolture to the city and return or between any other stations within the Citytrain network which extends from Gympie to the Gold Coast and out to Ipswich.
“This policy is great news for our local community, particularly given how many locals travel to the city and other centres for medical appointments and to see family and friends”, Mrs Gaske said.
“Peak hour traffic on the Bruce Highway and even Bribie Island Road has grown enormously in recent years causing frustrating delays for motorists.
“Infrastructure Australia predicts that road use in the south east will rise by another 21 percent in the next decade, costing the region’s economy $6 billion a year.”
Whilst the plan will cost an estimated $2.7m a year in foregone revenue, Mrs Gaske is excited at the initiative which will create extra capacity across the Citytrain network during peak hours and take cars off the roads.
“That’s not a huge cost when you consider the benefits from creating extra capacity across the network during peak hours and allowing Seniors more enjoyable and leisurely journeys in off-peak times,” Mrs Gaske said.
“Queensland Rail spent over $12m last financial year in consultancy services and lost millions in fare evasions and budget blowouts.
“The LNP will recoup costs by better enforcement and budget management.”
Mrs Gaske has also welcomed plans that an LNP Government would extend the plan to students starting full-time university and TAFE courses who could apply for $500 vouchers to pay for bus or train fares.
The student travel vouchers will be available to those commencing new full-time courses to encourage them to defer expensive car purchases and use public transport instead.
“It’s all about getting cars off the roads and cutting traffic congestion as well as saving money for seniors and students”, Mrs Gaske said.