While there isn’t much to celebrate in the Liberals’ cruel budget, Tasmanians facing cost of living pressure will be glad to see an extension of free public transport for the next year. The Greens have long called for public transport to be free and urged the government to take make this change to help struggling Tasmanians.
We welcome the government taking up our calls to extend free public transport fares to provide much-needed relief to Tasmanians suffering escalating petrol prices. It was clear cost of living pressure would continue beyond the government’s short-term commitment to free fares, and more assistance was needed.
In response to Greens’ questions in Parliament, the Transport Minister committed to monitoring the impact of free public transport with a view to extending it in the State Budget. It’s great news the government listened to the Greens and the community and will continue to provide this important public service.
It’s been clear Tasmanians have really got behind free public transport and the benefits it brings to their hip pockets. There was a 35% rise in services statewide in April, compared to the same time the year before. Free public transport also has flow on effects in improving health, easing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions.
With all public transport fares now free, it’s vital the Liberals improve the frequency and reliability of services to ensure Tasmanians can properly take up this opportunity. We urge the government to continue to monitor free public transport usage over the next year, treating it as a proper, long-term trial for making the low cost but important measure permanent.
The Greens have been calling for the extension of free public transport in response to the fuel crisis for months:
