The Queensland government's $30 million in carbon tax savings should be spent on a comprehensive public transport review, according to a commuter advocacy group.

Premier Campbell Newman announced at the weekend that Queensland residents would be asked to decide whether the unexpected windfall should be used to decrease fares or increase bus and train services.

A commuter advocacy group is calling for a full review of the public transport network and its fares. Credit:Glenn Hunt

But Robert Dow from Rail Back on Track described it as a token, vote-winning exercise, saying the money would be better spent on a comprehensive review of fares and the network in order to bolster efficiency and patronage.

"Pragmatically, it's a superficial exercise," he said.