Students fined more than $820,000 for not tagging on and off free public transport to and from school
In Western Australia, school students were fined more than $821,000 for not getting on or off public transport, even though it was free.
The state government fined 8,214 students $100 as part of its Free Ride to School Program for failing to tag on and off trains, buses and ferries with their Student SmartRider cards.
The opposition argues that the students are unfairly punished.
Free public transport for school students in Western Australia is being introduced in 2024 and the government says it will save families around $560 a year.
It allows students to travel to and from school for free if they have a valid Student SmartRider card.
New data released in Parliament reveals more than $821,000 has been collected in fines under the scheme; This is an increase of more than 500 percent since the program was first introduced two years ago.
Opposition transport spokesman Steve Martin said the figures raised serious questions about how the scheme worked in practice.
“In June 2024, 1,350 fines were issued to students under the Free to School Scheme. Less than two years later, this figure increased to 8,214,” he said.
“The Minister cannot continue to claim that free student travel has led to increased patronage, while also reviewing how students who fail to tag are counted. He is trying to do it either way.”
Mr Martin said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti should explain what measures were being taken to ensure students were not unfairly penalized under the programme.
“The Cook Labor government promised free transport for students, but families are learning that a $100 fine is not free,” he said.
“While the Prime Minister and the Minister of Transport congratulated themselves for offering ‘free’ public transport for weeks, more than 8,000 fines were issued to school students under the same programme.
“For families already struggling with rising fuel prices in a cost-of-living crisis, the last thing they need is a $100 fine.”
Ms Saffioti has been contacted for comment.
More to come
