Free public transport won’t be on the cards for NSW commuters any time soon, despite recent decisions by the Tasmanian and Victorian governments to fully subsidise travel within the two states.
NSW Transport Minister John Graham revealed in a press conference on Sunday morning that NSW wouldn’t be “going down the path of free public transport,” and justified the decision as an effort to “keep our powder dry … to assist the broader economy”.
“All that money goes back into the public transport system and making it reliable, making sure to have those trains turn up on time,” Mr Graham said.
“We are doing the contingency planning for the situation … it’s less likely that we’re going to have fare-free transport for a couple of days or for the month of April, because this situation will last more than a month,” he said.
“That’s the concern of the NSW Government. Serious contingency planning is underway.”
When asked if the NSW Government’s position undermined recent advocacy by NSW Premier Chris Minns to launch a nationally consistent framework to dealing with the fuel crisis, Mr Graham said he didn’t “want to be critical of another state for the decisions they make”.
Mr Graham said the transport network fields “millions of dollars every single day” and that the money goes back into the NSW public transport network.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said the government had “rejected every practical solution put forward” as other states begin setting up critical support frameworks.
“Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families’ pockets and gives local businesses around NSW support when they need it most,” Ms Sloane said.
“With petrol prices continuing to rise, and growing uncertainty of being able to fill up at the bowser, families deserve real relief.”
The announcement comes after the announcement that Victoria and Tasmania will both introduce free public transport schemes to ease growing cost-of-living concerns across the two states.
The NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union joined a chorus of voices for the move to be made in NSW, with secretary Toby Warnes urging the government to “act now”.
“States like Victoria and Tasmania are leading the way. Now NSW needs to follow,” Mr Warnes said.
“The fuel crisis is already having a devastating impact on local workers, families and industries. The NSW Government has a responsibility to act. Public transport fares are a lever the state government has complete control of. The NSW Government has already waited too long, they need to act now,” he said.
“Getting people out of cars and onto public transport has obvious benefits across the board. It’s beyond belief that the NSW Government still hasn’t announced free, or at least reduced, public transport fares for the people of NSW.”
The same call has also been made by Paul Toole, the shadow minister for regional transport and roads.
He said: “Families are being absolutely smashed right now.
“Fuel prices are through the roof, groceries are up, power bills are climbing, and for many families just getting from A to B is becoming unaffordable.
“Victoria and Tasmania have acted. NSW should be doing the same.”
‘Rising fuel prices’
In Victoria, free public transport will be available throughout April to every commuter in the state as concerns over petrol prices continue to reach boiling point.
Buses, trams and both regional and metropolitan train lines will all be free from Tuesday, in a move Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has called a “temporary measure” to stem the flow of a growing tide of cost-of-living problems for people across the state.
“As premier, I’m determined to do everything within my control to help Victorians deal with rising fuel prices,” Ms Allan said.
“This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living – it will take pressure off the pump and help you save,” she said.
“This won’t solve every problem, but it’s an immediate step to help Victorians right now while we keep working on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable.”
The move came after members of the Victorian Greens began calling for free public transport as fuel prices began to climb earlier in March.
According to costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office, the free month will likely cost the government around $79.4 million, and save commuter households up to $500 for that month.
In Tasmania, buses will be free across the state from March 30 until July 1.
Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government was taking “strong and decisive action” to protect the community from increasingly unsustainable petrol prices.
“We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that’s why we have again taken strong and decisive action to protect Tasmanians,” Mr Rockliff said.
“We are stepping up to support Tasmanians when they need it most, delivering one of the state’s most significant cost-of-living measures. Tasmanians are increasingly choosing to use public transport … that’s why from March 30, Tasmanians will not pay a cent on public bus routes, making buses more accessible and affordable for all,” he said.
“We encourage Tasmanians to hop on a bus and travel for free right around or great state.”
