THE STATE Government’s much touted blitz on public transport prices has arrived in the Whitsundays.
Local bus operator Whitsunday Transit is part of the TransLink initiative, with all fares now just 50 cents per person, for the next six months.
The six-month trial – which the State Government hopes will ease congestion on roads and make public transport more accessible for everyone – started on Monday, August 5, 2024.
The 50 cents is a flat rate and applies to all fares – there are no children’s or concession rates – and is always 50 cents, regardless of the distance travelled.
It applies to Whitsunday Transit’s 860 route, which runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour and back.
Whitsunday Transit management are very excited and believe the 50 cent fares will open up the south of the region for Whitsunday residents to enjoy, and also make getting to work cheaper.
“Someone who lives in Proserpine can get to work in Airlie Beach for just $5 a week,” Whitsunday Transit’s operations manager Ian Paczensky said.
“That’s 10 trips – that gives them a trip in and a trip back each week – which is just $1 a day to get to work and back.
Mr Paczensky said the fare didn’t change on weekends.
“Families in Proserpine, who want to come into Airlie and enjoy the lagoon, can do so at a really affordable price,” he said.
