RTBU calls on NSW Labor Government to cut public transport fares as global fuel crisis hits the state

Media release, 22 March 2026: As a worldwide fuel crisis driven by war and global instability pushes petrol prices higher, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW has written to the NSW Labor Government calling on the government to urgently reduce public transport fares, increase services and convene an immediate industry roundtable.

RTBU NSW Secretary, Toby Warnes, said the global fuel crisis had exposed Australia’s vulnerability and was already placing pressure on households across NSW.

“This is a worldwide fuel crisis and NSW families are now feeling the impact,” Mr Warnes said. “We are standing on the edge of a cost of living crisis that will have deep and lasting impacts on individuals and families.

“Petrol prices are rising sharply, and that pressure will not end at the bowser. Higher fuel costs are expected to flow through to groceries and everyday goods as transport costs increase.

“We are already seeing an uplift in public transport usage as people look for ways to manage rising fuel costs, and that demand will continue to grow.

“The NSW Government cannot control global events, but it can act on their consequences here. That is why public transport must be part of the immediate response.

“In this environment, public transport is not just a service. It is immediate economic support.

“When fuel prices surge, public transport should become cheaper and more accessible. That is how you relieve pressure on households.

“Reducing fares is one of the fastest ways the government can deliver real cost of living relief. It lowers the cost of getting to work and puts money back into people’s pockets every week.

“But this must be matched with increased services so the network can meet demand as more people turn to public transport.”

Mr Warnes said increasing public transport use would also help reduce overall fuel demand and support regional communities.

“This is not just about city commuters. If more people can shift onto public transport, it reduces pressure on fuel demand more broadly.

“That matters for regional communities and for industries like agriculture that rely on fuel to operate.

“We are already seeing voices from regional and farming communities encouraging greater use of public transport where possible to help ease that pressure.

“This is a coordinated response that benefits the whole state.”

Mr Warnes said the government should immediately bring together key stakeholders to coordinate a response.

“We are calling on the government to convene a public transport roundtable with operators, unions and government agencies,” he said. “We can collectively move on this now. The workforce, infrastructure and operational expertise already exist.

“What is required is urgency and coordination. In a fuel price crisis, public transport is not just a service. It is part of the economic response.

“The government has the levers in its hands. We will help them to activate and use them.”