A tax ruling could save bus commuters hundreds of dollars – and provide the State Government with a way to lower public transport costs, without having to lift a finger.

A class ruling from the Australian Tax Office means salary packaging provider RemServe can now offer eligible employees from about 300 Queensland organisations the ability to salary sacrifice bus travel within the south-east Queensland TransLink network.

The new scheme will make bus travel more affordable for thousands of commuters. Credit:Michelle Smith

In the Australian first, eligible users, including public servants, will be able to use their pre-taxed income on their TransLink smart card to travel to and from work.

RemServe estimates that those who earn $70,000 and take 10 trips a week across four zones could save just under $1500 a year under the plan, while inner-city workers travelling two zones earning $65,000 could save $1100.