Transport fare evasion
Part of the Crime topic
Understand what transport fare evasion is, and what you must do and cannot do to follow the law in Queensland.
In short
Transport fare evasion is using transport without paying the correct fare. It is illegal in Queensland.
You must pay the correct fare when using public transport such as trains, buses or ferries and private hire services, such as taxis.
Failing to pay the correct fare may result in serious consequences, including fines, court appearances and up to 6 months in prison.
This page provides a summary of Queensland's transport fare evasion laws. It's not exhaustive and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified legal professional for comprehensive information or matter-specific advice.
You must
To comply with the law in Queensland you must:
- pay the full fare for your journey
- have a valid ticket or sufficient funds on your go card before travelling on public transport
- carry proof of your concession if you are travelling as a concession holder
- pay a taxi fare in full, even if you dispute the amount.
You cannot
To comply with the law in Queensland you cannot:
- try to avoid paying for your journey
- travel without paying the full fare
- travel beyond the distance allowed by your ticket or go card
- fail to provide proof of concession if you are travelling on a concession fare.
Exceptions and special circumstances
To dispute a taxi fare you must first pay the fare, and then you can dispute it later.
To dispute the fare:
- take down details of the vehicle and driver, including:
- taxi number
- name of the taxi company
- date and time of the trip
- where the trip started and ended
- the exact amount you were charged and whether it matched the taxi fare meter.
- review your notes to ensure they are accurate
- contact the taxi company to explain your concerns.