The Tasmanian Greens are pushing for public transport on Metro buses to be made free for all, for good.
The party plan to introduce a Bill for permanent, free bus travel across the state in Parliament this week.
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Greens Transport spokesperson Vica Bayley called the 2022 free-travel trial a “raging success” that provided “real financial relief to commuters, increased bus usage and a decline in anti-social behaviour”.
However, Bayley said the state-owned bus operator has ‘gone downhill’ in the year since.
“Since the trial was ended, things have clearly regressed with escalating anti-social behaviour, an ineffective introduction of security guards, driver shortages and the cancellation of services, all significantly affected by systemic underfunding of Metro by the Government,” Bayley said.
He believes the ‘alternate vision’ could lead to increased usage, better behaviour and long-term relief for passengers as cost of living pressures bite – as well as providing drivers with improved wages and working conditions.
“A functional public transport service is crucial for a healthy, vibrant community.”
“By making Metro travel free we can remove a financial barrier from low income Tasmanians suffering under skyrocketing costs of living.”
