Buses across Tasmania will be free from Monday, with the state government responding to a surge in public transport use driven by soaring fuel prices.
The measure covers all Metro services in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, plus the Derwent Ferry and runs until July 1, 2026.
It effectively supersedes a half-price fare scheme already in place through June 30, with the future of fare subsidies beyond that hinging on the state budget due in May.
Metro Tasmania data shows patronage jumped more than 20% statewide in a single week, with Launceston up 23%, Hobart 21% and Burnie 10%.
Diesel has topped $3 a litre across the state and some service stations have, at times, run dry.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply amid conflict in the Middle East.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government wanted to take pressure off household budgets.
“We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget,” he said.
Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said a student catching the bus to school would save about $10 a week.
“Families are feeling the pinch and this important cost of living measure will deliver real savings,” he said.
The announcement follows a week of growing political pressure in state parliament.
Independent MP Helen Burnett noted just 4% of Tasmanians commute by public transport and called on the government to do more.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff questioned how people would get to work if they could not afford petrol and pushed for more drivers and restored services.
The government has not said whether fare subsidies will continue beyond July 1 or how much the free fares will cost taxpayers.
