New numbers from the Department of Transport and Main Roads show public transport patronage continuing to surge, with the week ending 16 October recording the highest percentage of trips taken since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said there had been a steady rise across all modes of public transport as life returned to normal.
“Light rail continues to set the benchmark and has hit 100 per cent of pre-COVID levels for a full week — the first time any mode has done this since the pandemic started,” Mr Bailey said.
“We’re putting this down to booming tourism, commuters returning to the office and students back in the classroom.”
He said the milestone was a far cry from the height of the pandemic, when patronage was at 20 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
“September public transport patronage in South-East Queensland remains above 70 per cent despite a public holiday and extended rail track closures. This puts us in good stead to close out the year on a patronage high, before winding down over Christmas,” Mr Bailey said.
“I look forward to all our modes getting back up to the 100 per cent mark as we continue to encourage commuters out of their cars and on-board.”
Gold Coast-based Minister for Science, Meaghan Scanlon said the data proved just how popular the Gold Coast’s public transport options were.
“Gold Coasters and tourists alike are choosing public transport more often, which gets cars off the road and is great for our lifestyle,” Ms Scanlon said.
