| Liberal and Labor politicians have finally accepted what the Greens have been saying for years – the cost of public transport is a real concern for Tasmanians. Now the major parties have finally admitted this is an issue, we are calling for them to do this properly and make public transport free.
Throughout the last term of Parliament we have been the only voice calling for action on the cost of public transport, with the Liberals and Labor teaming up to vote against our attempts to make change. But now it’s clear we’ve successfully made public transport costs an election issue, with both major parties committing to fare reductions. While the new commitment from the Liberals and Labor is a big step forward – a step that wouldn’t have happened without the Greens – it also doesn’t go far enough. Public transport is a basic service and should be free, and that’s what we’re fighting for. As well as being a cost of living measure, there’s huge added benefits of free transport – ease of access, reduced traffic congestion, faster boarding times, and reduced conflict with bus drivers over fares. It can make the work of bus drivers easier and happier, helping with workforce issues. Of course there’s also big issues to fix with reliability and frequency of services, and we’re looking forward to making announcements on these issues in the weeks to come. With Liberal and Labor politicians now conceding transport costs are a big deal, the Greens are going to push harder for the change that’s needed. With a new government and the Greens in the balance of power we will be fighting to make public transport free. |
