We need 50-cent public transport fares

Taking public transport is too expensive, and it shouldn’t be!

Our transport sector makes up nearly a quarter of our state’s carbon emissions. But getting people to choose public transport is difficult when costs keep rising. 

A full fare daily ticket now costs up to $11, which adds up to more than $200 a month for regular commuters. 

At a time when people are already struggling with the rising costs of rent, mortgages and groceries, Victorians need some relief. 

Queensland recently introduced 50c public transport fares and in just six months, Queenslanders saved more than $180 million, and public transport patronage is up by 20 per cent.

The Greens and I want to try the same thing in Victoria. If Queensland can introduce 50c public transport, why not here too?

Our CBD still hasn’t fully bounced back from the challenges of the pandemic. The revival of our city’s vibrancy depends on attracting workers, students, and tourists back into town. 

Fifty-cent public transport fares will not only provide some much-needed relief for people, it’s an opportunity to entice people back to our CBD. 

The Greens and I are calling for Victoria to follow Queensland’s lead and introduce a six-month trial of 50-cent fares in Melbourne and regional Victoria. 

We can pay for it by making the big banks, corporations and property developers pay their fair share of tax. 

We’ll also keep pushing to fill holes in our timetables and make our public transport network better. 

We want to see Metro trains and trams run every five to 10 minutes from 7am to 7pm, and a high-frequency bus network across Melbourne and our regional cities. 

Everyone should have access to good quality, affordable public transport and the Greens are fighting to make that happen. 

If there’s anything I can do for you, please get in touch with me at [email protected] •