Brisbane seniors have saved almost $8 million in public transport fares under Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s free off-peak travel initiative.
Cr Schrinner said more than 8.6 million free trips have been taken since the free off-peak travel for seniors was introduced in October 2019.
“This initiative has delivered huge savings for seniors and created more opportunities for older residents to get around our city to visit family and friends,” he said.
“Under this important initiative, a senior who makes one short return trip each week in their local area, will save around $143 over the course of a year.
“For seniors travelling from the outer suburbs to attend one of the great low-cost activities on offer at City Hall’s 50 Plus Centre, the savings would be even greater at around $175 per year.
“Our seniors have helped grow Brisbane into the incredible city it is today, and I want to make sure they can get out and enjoy it.
“Every dollar saved helps ease cost of living pressures and make a real difference in people’s lives.
“After a challenging time with the COVID-19 pandemic it’s really great to see seniors returning to public transport.
“Our seniors clearly have confidence in our public transport system, with more than 3.1 million trips made in the past financial year, which is a more than 25 per cent increase on the 12-months prior.
“With 620,415 free trips taken between 1 July 2022 and 30 August 2022, more and more seniors are jumping on board the free travel initiative every single day.”
Cr Schrinner said the free trips on Council’s buses, CityCats and ferries were a great way to get to one of Council’s free and low-cost events across the city for seniors.
“Seniors Month is a great time for Brisbane’s older residents to experience the city’s world-class public transport network and enjoy some of the fantastic events designed just for them,” he said.
“Why not take a bus to Bollywood fitness at 9:15am every Wednesday in Kenmore’s Twilight Park, or even a free TikTok/YouTube workshop, so seniors can keep up with their grandkids.”
Free off-peak travel for seniors applies between 8:30am and 3:30pm and between 7pm and 6am on weekdays.
Council buses are free for seniors on public holidays and weekends, while CityCats and ferries are free for seniors on weekday public holidays.
For more information on free off-peak travel and seniors events happening across Seniors Month, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.
