​

6 July, 2020

Seniors in the Capalaba electorate will be entitled to free off-peak travel on local trains if the LNP wins the next state election on October 31.

 

LNP Candidate for Capalaba, Bev Walters said free off-peak fares for seniors using the Citytrain network was part of the party’s bold plan to bust congestion across South-East Queensland.

 

“The LNP’s plan is all about getting cars off the roads and cutting congestion,” Ms Walters said.

 

As part of the LNP plan, students starting full-time university and TAFE courses will also be able to apply for $500 vouchers to pay for bus or train fares.

 

“Results of my survey have told me that congestion is having a huge impact on the quality of life for people living in the Capalaba electorate.”

 

“In 2017 Labor promised $22 million for the Eastern Transitway (a much watered-down version of the Eastern Busway).  It was only in February this year when I publicly called out Labor’s broken promise and subsequently raised a petition to the Clerk of Parliament to see this project started that Labor finally decided to take any action.”

 

“While an upgrade to 5 intersections was promised, Labor have said they will eventually start ONE intersection with a planned spend of $5 million.  What is particularly interesting however, is that to date only $3.8 million has been allocated towards the project and as Labor have said they won’t be doing a budget in 2020, no one knows where the remaining funds will come from.”

 

“The LNP isn’t prepared to see the needs of the Capalaba electorate ignored any longer”, Ms Walters said.

 

Journey times have surged across South-East Queensland in the past decade, and the population of the Redlands is increasing.

 

Under the LNP plan, seniors would be offered free travel on the Citytrain network between 8.30am and 3.30pm and between 7pm and 6am, as well as all-day on weekends and public holidays.

 

The scheme, which would cost an estimated $2.7m a year, would create extra capacity across the Citytrain network during peak hours.

​

As part of the LNP plan, students starting full-time university and TAFE courses will also be able to apply for $500 vouchers to pay for bus or train fares.

​

Student travel vouchers would be available to those starting new full-time courses to encourage them to defer car purchases and use public transport instead. The two-year trial scheme would cost $5m a year.

​

“The LNP’s plan will save drivers time and save seniors and students money,” Ms Walters said.

 

“The LNP will help students because we know the costs of studying at uni or TAFE can deter some young people from gaining the skills they need to get a secure job and brighter future.”  

 

Media Contact: Bev Walters 0455 436262