The number of Tasmanians catching Metro buses show that the Liberals half-price fares are not doing enough to encourage Tasmanians to use our broken public transport system.
Figures show that the number of bus users actually decreased in June compared to that time last year, and had only a modest improvement in July of 4.8%. This simply isn’t enough.
Increasing public transport use should be a priority of the Rockliff Government, to ease cost of living pressures, curb congestion, improve Tasmanians’ health and reduce carbon emissions.
During the March 2022 free public bus trial, numbers of bus users increased 15%. The Greens have been fighting for public transport to be free across Tasmania.
Not only would free trips increase uptake, but improved frequency, reliability, predictability and accessibility are critical. They are the cornerstones of success for public transport.
Any cuts to in the upcoming budget would weaken Metro. The government must prioritise funding public transport, and value the jobs of workers who can deliver a well-functioning system, particularly with the pressure of rising cost of living.
Metro Tasmania are still unable to reinstate the 180 services cut across greater Hobart last year, due to continuing staffing shortages. With bus workers poised to take industrial action, it’s clear that a pay increase and better conditions are needed to give Tasmanians the stable bus system they need.
