Kellie Sloane
Leader of the Opposition
Gurmesh Singh
NSW Nationals Leader
Shadow Minister for Regional NSW
Natalie Ward
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party
With fuel prices hitting record highs and household budgets being hit hard, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have today called on the Minns Labor Government to give families a break and provide free public transport this Easter long weekend.
Petrol has now skyrocketed past $3 a litre in NSW, meaning families are paying more just to do the basics like get to work or drop the kids at school.
Experience shows that free public transport drives increased patronage, delivering economic benefits to communities through higher foot traffic and associated spending.
NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said many families would now be rethinking what they can afford this Easter and free public transport over the holiday period is a practical way to help now.
"This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure. Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families' pockets when they need it most," Ms Sloane said.
Leader of the NSW Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, Gurmesh Singh, said XPT and Trainlink coaches should be included.
"For families in regional NSW, the Easter long weekend often means a long drive, and now, an expensive one. Free travel on XPT and Trainlink coaches gives regional families a real alternative," Mr Singh said.
Shadow Minister for Transport, Natalie Ward said NSW has a world class public transport network we should be encouraging families to use it.
"We want families getting out and enjoying our great state and this is a practical way to help families do that," Ms Ward said.
Business Sydney Executive Director, Paul Nicolau, said increased public transport use over Easter would deliver a much-needed boost to local businesses.
"This is a win-win for Sydney. More people using public transport means more foot traffic and greater spending across our retail outlets, pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, at a time when many businesses need it most," Mr Nicolau said.
