Airtrain fares for Brisbane Airport workers will more than double next month, resulting in an 820 percent increase compared to other commuters. The six-month trial of half-price fares for airport workers ends on February 10, with weekly tickets rising from $21.50 to $46. This significant increase has drawn criticism from airport workers and opposition politicians, who argue it places an undue burden on essential workers and breaks a promise to address cost-of-living pressures.
Employees at Brisbane Airport will face a significant increase in commuting costs next month as Airtrain fares more than double. Starting February 10, a weekly Airtrain ticket for airport workers will jump from $21.50 to $46, marking an 820 percent increase compared to other south-east Queensland commuters. This hike comes as a six-month trial of half-price fares for airport workers concludes and Airtrain implements an additional fare increase. While regular Airtrain fares will rise from $10.
95 to $22.30, airport workers will pay $3 more than the pre-trial cost for their weekly tickets. The 50¢ flat fare for Translink services connecting workers to the Airtrain will remain, bringing their total public transport costs to $51 for a five-day work week. This means some Brisbane Airport workers will pay more than 10 times what other workers spend on public transport for their daily commute. An Airtrain spokesperson attributed the increase to a standard annual CPI increase. However, the 7 percent increase on the pre-trial period comes despite Australia's consumer price index rising by only 2.4 percent, the lowest inflation result since March 2021. Jason Lang, a United Workers Union delegate for airport cleaners, highlighted the significant burden the fare increase places on essential workers. He stated that the cost of getting to work discourages people from seeking employment at the airport, where staff shortages are already a concern. Lang emphasized the lack of incentives for workers, pointing out the high tolls and fuel costs associated with driving to the airport, coupled with the exorbitant train fares. Opposition transport spokesman Bart Mellish accused Premier David Crisafulli of breaking a promise to address cost-of-living pressures, specifically regarding Airtrain costs for Brisbane Airport workers. He criticized the government for failing to deliver on its commitment. The Airport Line, built by the private sector in 2001 at a cost of $200 million, has a 35-year exclusivity agreement preventing other public transport from servicing the airport. In 2022, this publication revealed that the previous government was negotiating to end Airtrain's exclusivity agreement, which was signed by the Borbidge Liberal-National Coalition government in 1998. Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg's office was contacted for comment on the fare increase, whether Airtrain's decision was appropriate given cost-of-living pressures, and whether the LNP intended to renegotiate the agreement. A TMR spokeswoman stated that they would work with Airtrain to support affordable public transport to the airport and enable a generational legacy for the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. She emphasized the need to consider various factors, including value-for-money to taxpayers, in determining the best course of action. Brisbane Airport spokesman Peter Doherty stressed the importance of public transport alternatives, citing the benefits of increased passenger and worker usage of Airtrain during the half-price fare trial. He expressed disappointment over the fare increase, stating that it undermines efforts to encourage people to shift from cars to public transport.
AIRTRAIN TRANSPORT COSTS BRISBANE AIRPORT PUBLIC TRANSPORT COST-OF-LIVING PRESSURES LABOR MARKET
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