Two Australian states make public transport free as soaring fuel prices hit commuters – UK Times

The governments of Tasmania and Victoria have made public transport free from this week amid rising fuel costs in the country.

Tasmanian state premier Jeremy Rockliff said on X that buses and ferries would be free until 1 July 2026. “From tomorrow, Tasmanian public transport will be free. We’ll be keeping it free until 1 July,” Mr Rockliff said.

The decision was taken to ease the cost of living, he said.

“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,” the premier said in a joint statement with Kerry Vincent, the minister for infrastructure and transport.

“We are stepping up to support Tasmanians when they need it most, delivering one of the state’s most significant cost-of-living measures,” Mr Rockliff said.

Victoria’s premier Jacinta Allan also announced that public transport will be free in the country from Tuesday till 1 July. “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.”

Since the US and Israel-led war against Iran began in the Middle East, countries across the globe have been facing fuel supply shortages, with the costs of petroleum products rising.

Experts have warned of a prolonged war that could lead to a surge in the prices of food, medicines, and other products.

The Tasmanian transport ministry noted that there has been a 20 per cent increase in the use of public transport across the state over the last week.

“That’s why from 30 March, Tasmanians will not pay a cent on public bus routes, making buses more accessible and affordable for all. Tasmanians from all corners of our state will see real savings from this cost-of-living measure,” Mr Rockliff said in the statement.

“Whether you’re commuting to work, school, the supermarket, or for recreation, you can now travel for free on Tasmania’s bus network and Derwent River Ferry,” the transport minister said.

The latest scheme is expected to save commuters between A$20 and A$88 a week.

“For an adult catching the bus from Dodges Ferry into Hobart for work each day, they’ll be spending $88 less a week than if they were paying the full fare,” Mr Vincent said.

“We know lots of people rely on public transport to travel from the regions into town. Now that they don’t have to pay a cent, an adult doing a round trip from Bicheno to Hobart, paying the full fare, will be $48 better off,” he said.

However, Mr Vincent’s New South Wales and Western Australia counterparts have not followed similar steps to make public transport free.

NSW transport minister, John Graham, said on Sunday that the state wasn’t “going down the path of free public transport”.

“This situation will last for more than a month. We need to keep our powder dry to be able to assist the broader economy,” he said.