The cost-of-living crisis continues to crush the wallets of Brisbane residents, and Labor Lord Mayor hopeful Tracey Price has shown she is taking this pressure seriously in her latest announcement to put cash back into your pocket.
The jewel of Mrs Price’s larger transport policy announcement was the slashing of bus fares, beginning with a 50% reduction looking to save regular commuters up to $1000 per year. Additionally, combining cost reduction with safety improvements is the extension of night services, with no fares charged between midnight and 5am to assist those getting home after a long night.
“With rising cost of living challenges, residents also want to be able to save money, as well as time.”
Should Brisbane see Mrs. Price as Lord Mayor, she also promises increased security officers on night services to improve security not only for patrons, but for the vulnerable and often mistreated bus drivers. Driver’s would also see full barrier capsulation installed on buses as a priority, and the barriers would be a requisite on all future buses.
“Our hard-working front-line bus workers deserve to be safe at work, and under the LNP Council that’s not the case. One driver kicked, punched, spat on or sworn at is too many, and I want to work with bus drivers and unions to make sure they are protected” she said.
As part of the larger Transport and Mobility package, bus services would become more accessible, particularly bus stops and footpaths, where the Labor team have raised concern consistently during the current Administration’s term.
The plans come about after Tracey and her team have watched the current Liberal National Party Administration tout their Metro project as the saving grace to Brisbane’s transport woes.
Mrs. Price explained, “The Lord Mayor and his team have loved the media opportunities and social media photos that have come from the Metro project. He has entirely neglected the rest of the network though, and people are fed up with the inaction.”
The Brisbane Labor team also plan to extend this care to the transport fleet itself, ensuring that buses are built locally, by locals, and reviewing emergency response plans to ensure the security of the fleet, particularly the city’s iconic CityCats.
Tracey’s website has the full list of measures her Labor team have outlined in their Transport Policy, as well as more information about Tracey and her plans to deliver more for Brisbane.
