The Greens welcome Transport Minister Vincent’s support in response to our question in Parliament for monitoring free public transport with a view to considering extending the policy in the State Budget. We urge the government to help struggling Tasmanians by continuing fare-free public transport across the state.
War in the Middle East has driven up already high fuel prices, and it’s having a real impact on Tasmanians struggling to make ends meet. For some, it’ll be the difference between having the essentials they need or going without.
We welcomed the government taking up our policy to make public transport free to assist Tasmanians doing it tough. It’s already having an impact, with a 30% increase in travellers, and every passenger saving by riding for free.
But we all know this crisis won’t be over by July 1 when fare free travel ends. Things aren’t looking like they’re going to get better any time soon. Tasmanians will continue to need support.
Free or half-prices fares is a policy the government keeps pulling out of their back pocket on an ad-hoc basis for short-term relief. But despite the encouraging results, it’s never been properly evaluated with an eye to continuing it long term.
When we raised this in Parliament, we were pleased to hear the Minister for Transport commit to monitoring free public transport and assessing whether to extend it in the State Budget. We encourage the government to treat this period as a trial for keeping free public transport in place longer to help struggling Tasmanians.
While the budget might be a mess, it shouldn’t mean we can’t fund the essential services Tasmanians need. It all comes down to priorities. The Liberals have a chance to show they’re prioritising everyday Tasmanians struggling with rising costs by extending free fares.
