The Victorian Greens are calling on the Allan Government to make public transport in Melbourne free for the next month to provide immediate relief from cost of living pressures as petrol prices soar.
The Greens say this petrol price spike is exactly why the government should be helping people shift away from expensive petrol cars by making public transport cheaper and more accessible, investing in bike lane infrastructure, updating bus networks, running more frequent public transport services and helping people switch to electric vehicles.
The Greens say that making public transport free for the next month is something the government could do right now to provide immediate cost-of-living relief, while working on longer term measures.
According to a PBO costing, making public transport free for a month would cost the government approximately $79.4 million but could save a commuter household up to $500 from their family budget for the month.
Public transport has continued to get more expensive in Victoria. In other places like New Zealand and Western Australia, public transport fares have been slashed significantly and Queensland offers 50c fares.
As stated by the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
"Petrol prices are surging and people across Victoria are feeling the pain. Making public transport free for the next month is something the state government could do right now to immediately help people with cost-of-living pressures, and they should."
As stated by Victorian Greens spokesperson for Transport, Katherine Copsey:
"Free public transport would provide a huge relief to families, young people and renters who are already being totally smashed with rising costs at the moment."
"Cutting the cost of public transport doesn't just help people with the cost of living, it will get more people onto PT reducing congestion and emissions."
"While this is a short term measure, it's also crucial that the government makes public transport more accessible by reforming our bus network and running trains, trams and buses more often.
