The Independent sought clarification from Transport and Main Roads as to whether services in the Lockyer Valley and Somerset would be included in the six month 50 cent fare trial beginning August 5.
A spokesperson for TMR said routes included in the 50c fare trial were Route 529 Toogoolawah to Ipswich, Route 539 Rosewood and Helidon, Route 895 Woodford to Morayfield/Caboolture, Route 896 Kilcoy to Morayfield/Caboolture and Route 897 Woodford to Caboolture schools.
“The 50c fares initiative only applies to the Translink public transport network, which includes buses servicing the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions,” the spokesperson said.
Currently, there are no Translink services connecting the regions, or even Ipswich or Brisbane, to Toowoomba.
“Long distance train and bus services help connect customers travelling to and from Toowoomba and Brisbane, however these long distance services are not eligible for the 50c fares initiative,” the TMR spokesperson said.
“Translink receives many requests for new services across Queensland
“Public transport has a finite budget and factors such as competing priorities across the state and the demand or viability of a service must be considered when requests are received.”
The spokesperson said patronage was one of several considerations when planning a bus network and when determining the viability of a service.
“During the six-month 50c fares trial, Translink will monitor loading on all public transport services to help inform future decisions on the cost of public transport fares and service levels.”
Currently, there are no buses servicing Plainland, one of the fastest growing towns in the region, nor neighbouring towns along the Warrego Highway like Hatton Vale, Minden or Marburg.
The TMR spokesperson acknowledged the absence of services in their response to The Independent.
“Translink will continue to monitor population growth and patterns of development in the areas between Ipswich and Toowoomba,” they said.
