NSW urged to follow the lead of Victoria and Tasmania and drop public transport fares

Media release, 29 March: The NSW Government must urgently follow the lead of states such as Victoria and Tasmania and give commuters free – or at least reduced – public transport, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW says.

RTBU NSW Secretary Toby Warnes said as the global fuel crisis hits local families and workers hard, the NSW Government has a responsibility to take action to ease the cost-of-living pressure.

“States like Victoria and Tasmania are leading the way. Now NSW needs to follow,” Mr Warnes said.

“The fuel crisis is already having a devastating impact on local workers, families and industries. The NSW Government has a responsibility to act.

“Public transport fares are a lever the state government has complete control of. The NSW Government has already waited too long – they need to act now.

“Getting people out of cars and onto public transport has obvious benefits across the board. It’s beyond belief that the NSW Government still hasn’t announced free, or at least reduced, public transport fares for the people of NSW.

“Queensland’s transport fares are essentially free year-round, Victoria and Tasmania are now giving free fares, but the people of NSW are missing out. That needs to change quickly.”

Mr Warnes said in addition to lower – or free – fares, there also needs to be an increase in service availability to meet demand.

“Drop fares, get more train, bus and light rail services up and running, and support the people of NSW to get through the current global fuel crisis.

“Investing in public transport is one of the fastest ways to deliver cost of living relief while supporting the broader economy.

“Public transport isn’t just infrastructure. It’s a form of direct economic support. It helps workers get to their jobs, keeps communities connected and reduces pressure on families already doing it tough.”

The RTBU NSW has a petition running, calling on the NSW Government to reduce public transport fares: www.ourtransport.org.au/call-on-the-nsw-government-to-cut-public-transport-fares-now/