Commuters jumping back on public transport

Patronage on public transport continues its strong recovery from the COVID pandemic with figures just released by the Public Transport Authority showing a more than 20 per cent increase in boardings last financial year.

Total boardings – incorporating bus, train and ferry passengers – for the year to June 30 reached 123.03 million, a 20.65 per cent increase on 2021-22's 102.20 million.

The latest financial year was boosted by key projects and initiatives including the introduction of the Airport Line in October last year and the State Government's two-zone fare cap – introduced in January 2022.

Another key factor in the increase was the steady return of commuters as we continue to emerge from the impacts of the COVID pandemic. During short periods in 2020 and 2021, patronage fell to as low as about 10 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

Patronage data from this financial year suggests the strong growth is continuing with daily SmartRider tags in recent weeks running just above the equivalent pre-COVID figures, and preliminary July results showing total boardings were 11.08 million, the best July figure for four years.