Queenslanders Cut Trips 270% at $3.50 Petrol as 50¢ Fares Draw More Riders
Updated
Updated · Sydney Morning Herald · Jun 23
Queenslanders Cut Trips 270% at $3.50 Petrol as 50¢ Fares Draw More Riders
1 articles · Updated · Sydney Morning Herald · Jun 23
Summary
$3.50-a-litre petrol would push avoided trips up more than 270%, with Queenslanders also driving less and shifting more travel to public transport, a University of Sydney survey of 808 residents found.
50¢ flat public transport fares made buses and trains more attractive as fuel rose, but many outer-suburban and regional trips could not be replaced, leaving households to drop some journeys altogether.
Low-income families earning under $999 a week already drove less and had fewer alternatives, while people aged 60 and over were less likely to cancel trips, suggesting more travel was for essential needs.
Petrol sat around $2.20 to $2.53 during the March-April study period, and researchers said cheaper-than-expected fuel spurred extra travel more than higher prices suppressed it because many trips were already committed.
The findings add to pressure for broader responses beyond telling people to drive less, as Queensland’s car dependence, limited transit access and high EV upfront costs leave fuel shocks hitting access and equity.