Free rides for some as petrol pump pain continues
Millions of Australians will use public transport for free, but the fuel discount measure will not be implemented nationwide.
Victoria and Tasmania on Sunday announced a temporary fare moratorium as motorists continue to face price shortages at the petrol pump.
Uncertainty and declining oil supplies due to the Iran war have increased costs and led to fuel shortages at hundreds of service stations.
In response, the Victorian government will make public transport free for a month from Tuesday in a bid to encourage people to ditch their cars and offset rising fuel costs.
The move is expected to cost Victoria $71 million in lost revenue.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said a regular daily user could save up to $220 during April.
He acknowledged the temporary measure would not solve cost-of-living pressures but argued it would ease oil demand.
“People expect their government to do more,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“We must and we must.”
Public transport usage will be monitored to gauge whether extra services are needed to cope with the estimated passenger flow.
Bus and ferry travel in Tasmania will be free from Monday until July 1.
Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said an adult who took the bus from Dodges Ferry to Hobart for work every day would save $88 a week.
“Families are feeling the pinch and this important cost of living measure will deliver real savings,” he said.
Other states have been reluctant to follow suit.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham says the state government will not offer free short-term travel.
“This situation will last for more than a month,” he said.
“We need to keep our powder dry so we can help the broader economy.”
Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW secretary Toby Warnes said it was “incredible” that the Minns government had not taken action to provide free or at least reduced public transport fares.
“Queensland’s transport fares are essentially free year-round, Victoria and Tasmania now offer free fares, but the people of NSW are missing out,” he said.
The Queensland Liberal National government has no plans to change the current 50-cent fare policy, AAP has been told.
WA Premier Roger Cook was noncommittal on following Victoria and Tasmania, instead citing “historically low” current wages.
“Rick Astley was at the top of the charts in the 80s when wages were so low in Western Australia,” he said.
The ACT’s lower house of parliament voted against the Canberra Liberals’ motion to introduce 50 cents for public transport fares on Tuesday.
