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.

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.

"Rather than trying to buy votes, there needs to be a commitment to a proper fare review. We have an unsustainable public transport network, it's poorly designed and we are stuck with one of the world's most expensive transport systems.

"People will say a five per cent cut is better than nothing but it's short-term thinking.

"It's not addressing the systemic issues with a poorly designed fare structure and the obvious network issues."

Public transport fares in Southeast Queensland are among the highest in the country, Mr Dow said, which prevents many people from using the network.

Network connectivity is also a major problem, with almost non-existent feeder bus services to rail hubs also stymieing patronage.

"My experience is people will pay a fair fare," he said.

"If Translink cut fares by 30 per cent, they would make money with increased patronage."

"The government needs to consult with the public, use the money to commit to proper fare review, and explain why the network has to be improved.

"If they do that they will get the public on board.

"This five per cent cut is short-term. In six months time we'll back to where we were."

Mr Dow also said the lack of capped tickets, such as daily and weekly tickets that enables commuters to take multiple trips, was prohibiting families from using the network, while Queensland was also the only state that did not offer concessions to the unemployed.

In announcing the unexpected windfall on Sunday, Mr Newman said he wanted the savings passed on to commuters.

"We have found $30 million worth of savings in the transport budget with the abolition of the carbon tax," he said.

"We're now asking Queenslanders, do they want a decrease in public transport fares or do they want more services?

"We think people should have their say, whether they be public transport commuters or just the broader members of the public."

The $30 million had been earmarked to pay higher annual electricity bills and other costs that were forecast to be incurred by the public transport system with carbon pricing in place.