RACQ managing director David Carter welcomed the cheap fares but said, over the longer term, government investment was required to make public transport a better alternative.
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“This includes better infrastructure, higher-frequency and faster rail services and overhauling bus services with more direct, high-frequency services,” Carter said.
“Current governments have inherited long-term under-investment in roads, which has exacerbated the impact of a fast-growing population on congestion.”
While inner-city suburbs are best serviced by public transport, Premier Steven Miles said 50¢ fares would provide bigger savings for people in outer suburbs who opted not to drive.
“I’m really excited about this initiative because I think it is both going to address cost of living, give people a better experience, get people home faster, and ease the traffic,” Miles said on Monday.
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The cheap fares were announced after the government backed a Brisbane City Council plan to reduce the number of carparks required in major apartment projects.
The planning changes would encourage people buying into areas such as Fortitude Valley, Milton, Kangaroo Point and Newstead to use public transport.
The South East Queensland Plan also encourages higher density around public transport hubs and employment centres, particularly in the Brisbane council area.