The RTBU has called on all states to follow Tasmania and Victoria’s leads and make public transport free. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
In the wake of the Tasmanian and Victorian governments moving to temporarily make public transport free, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union has called for all states and territories to follow suit.
To ease cost pressure on households, Monday’s National Cabinet meeting saw the Federal Government announce a three-month halving of the fuel excise, which should lower petrol prices by 25 cents a litre.
But Tasmania and Victoria have instead moved to try to woo people off the road to preserve Australia’s limited fuel stocks.
On Sunday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced all public transport in the state would be free for a month from Tuesday, 31 March.
“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.”
Tasmanian Premier Jermey Rockliff went one better, dropping all public transport fares on the state’s buses and the Derwent River ferry from 30 March until 1 July.
“Tasmanians are increasingly choosing to use public transport, with a 20 per cent increase across the state in the last week,” he said.
“That’s why from March 30, Tasmanians will not pay a cent on public bus routes, making buses more accessible and affordable for all.”
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) said all its state branches had united to call on state and territory leaders to introduce free public transport. It said this support should also extend to train station parking to ensure commuters have accessible and practical options for using public transport.
“The budgets of working people and families are being strained more than ever and they’re looking to our leaders for cost-of-living solutions — public transport must be central to the cost-of-living response,” RTBU national secretary Alex Claassens said in a 30 March statement.
“As a National Cabinet meeting is held today to address the dire situation facing Australians, urgent action is needed to incentivise public transport use amid the global fuel crisis.
“Free public transport must be top of the agenda, and it must apply to every Australian. A national crisis demands a national solution.
“Victoria and Tasmania have already made the necessary steps, and now it’s time to see real leadership and make this happen for every worker, every family and every community across the country.
“We understand that every jurisdiction faces its own challenges, and the RTBU is ready to work constructively with state and territory governments to ensure any cost-of-living relief delivers real benefits for communities and our members.”
Mr Claassens described public transport as an essential and practical part of society, and said governments had the power to provide relief.
“It is a sensible response to an immediate crisis and must be treated as such,” he said.
“Public transport is the fastest lever governments can pull — it reduces fuel demand and keeps workers connected to their jobs while easing pressure on supply chains that farming, freight and regional communities depend on.
“Cutting fares would deliver direct cost-of-living relief, reducing reliance on increasingly expensive fuel, and increasing services will ensure the network can meet increased demand across the country.”
Original Article published by Andrew McLaughlin on PS News.
