The internationally-owned Airtrain has launched legal action against the state government over claims Queensland\u2019s flagship 50 cent public transport fares have cost millions in revenue.<\/p>\n
Airtrain\u2019s parent company, USS Axle, submitted its annual financial report to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission on Friday, which said it is owed millions from taxpayers for revenue adjustments linked to passenger trips on the airport rail line.<\/p>\n
\u201cSubsequent to balance date, Airtrain filed a Claim and Statement of Claim in the Supreme Court of Queensland against the State concerning the contractual obligation to pay, as from 10 February 2025, revenue adjustments in respect of journeys taken by Airtrain passengers travelling to or from the Gold Coast and other suburban stations,\u201d USS Axle says in its report.<\/p>\n
The report said the state government had not paid more than $4.75m worth of invoices for revenue adjustments in respect of journeys taken by passengers travelling to or from the Gold Coast and other suburban stations between February 10, 2025 to March 31, 2026.<\/p>\n
The report also revealed the court action by Airtrain Citylink Limited was filed after the state government was previously issued a notice of dispute.<\/p>\n
In court documents obtained by The Courier-Mail, Airtrain Citylink Limited claims $6.16m was owed from revenue lost between February 10, 2025 and June 2026.<\/p>\n
Airtrain tickets were offered for half-price under the state\u2019s initial six month trial of 50 cent fares but returned to standard pricing of up to $23.80 on February 10 last year.<\/p>\n
Airtrain chief executive Chris Basche said the service had posted a record year for passenger numbers, with 5 per cent year-on-year growth.<\/p>\n
He said the financial performance had also been progressively recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, when operating losses totalled \u201caround $30 million\u201d.<\/p>\n
In the 12 months to March 31, 2026, Airtrain posted a revenue of $26m and an operating profit of $300,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, revenue in the past year was impacted by the lower fares paid by Airtrain passengers on Gold Coast and suburbs journeys,\u201d Mr Basche said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current legal proceedings concern the contractual arrangements between Airtrain and the State. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe acknowledge that both parties expended significant time and effort in discussions seeking a negotiated outcome, albeit unsuccessfully to date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Airtrain Citylink Limited originally filed its claim in April, with the state government responding with an intention to defend.<\/p>\n
An amended claim was filed by Airtrain Citylink Limited on July 21, but the government is yet to respond.<\/p>\n
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the state government remained committed to honouring its contractual Airtrain obligations, and would \u201ccontinue to work constructively with all parties\u201d to ensure passengers could access reliable services.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are aware of the ongoing legal proceedings involving Airtrain and the Department of Transport and Main Roads,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs this matter is before the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 8.5km Airtrain link to the domestic and international terminals was completed in the 2001 at no cost to taxpayers in exchange for 35 years\u2019 worth of fares.<\/p>\n
Under the terms of the contract, the asset is due to be handed back to the state government in 2036 \u2014 four years after the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.<\/p>\n
The agreement prohibits any other form of public transport like the Brisbane Metro from being used by plane passengers until then.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The internationally-owned Airtrain has launched legal action against the state government over claims Queensland\u2019s flagship 50 cent 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