Victorians will be able to ride trains, trams and buses for free for a month from March 31 through to the end of April, as governments respond to an escalating fuel crisis and broader cost of living pressure. The temporary move was announced as a way to reduce the strain on motorists and encourage more people to leave their cars at home.
“It will take pressure off the pump and help you save,” Premier Jacinta Allan 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.”
From Tuesday, Myki gates will be left open across Melbourne’s metropolitan network and on V/Line services. Passengers will not need to touch on or touch off during the free travel period, and anyone who taps on by mistake will not be charged.
Tasmania has gone further, with the state government offering free travel on buses and ferries until July. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said fares would be waived for three months in response to surging fuel 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,” Rockliff said.
The announcements come as state governments face increasing pressure to subsidise or waive fares, partly to reduce fuel demand in cities and help keep supplies flowing to farmers and regional communities. Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking has previously called for free public transport in Melbourne so more fuel could be conserved for those who cannot avoid driving.
“We don’t have a public transport network, we’re required to drive long distances, and we need liquid fuel to make that happen,” Hosking said.
ACT Senator David Pocock has also called for free public transport nationwide to help ease the fuel shortage. The push comes as unleaded petrol edges towards $2.60 a litre in some areas, while average diesel prices are now well above $3 a litre.
