22 May 2017
Brisbane hit with second highest transport costs: RACQ
Rising fuel costs have contributed to Brisbane having the second highest transportation
costs in the country, according to a new report released today.
The Australian Automobile Association, which represents motoring clubs including RACQ,
has released its latest Transport Affordability Index, which revealed transport costs in
Brisbane were second only to Sydney in the first quarter of 2017.
The report calculated the average cost for Australians to commute, whether by car or public
transport, and included vehicle running costs and public transport fares.
RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said Brisbane families had forked out $377 each week
for transport in the first three months of the year, the equivalent of nearly $20,000 annually.
“That’s a significant amount of money to be coughing up, and equates to more than 16
percent of overall income for an average Brisbane household,” Ms Smith said.
“Transport costs here increased at a rate higher than inflation and filing up the car was the
major contributor to this as well as car servicing and tolls.
“Fuel prices rose in all the capital cities during 2017’s first quarter thanks to the oil producer
cartel OPEC cutting production and forcing an increase in the oil price.
“What’s frustrating for Brisbane motorists is that we remain the most expensive place to fill
up on the south-eastern seaboard, with Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne motorists enjoying
cheaper fuel so far this year.”
Ms Smith said while overall transport costs were high, the report revealed some positive
news.
“We did see a decrease in public transport fares at the beginning of the year thanks to
changes brought about by the State Government,” she said.
“Brisbane also remains the cheapest place in Australia to have roadside assistance, with
RACQ the best priced of the country’s motoring clubs.”
Media inquiries: RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith 0409 573 193; Media Advisor Clare
Gavin 0427 261 932.