Greens Propose 50¢ Public Transport Fares Across Country

Greens Propose 50¢ Public Transport Fares Across Country
Image: Photo: Transport for NSW.

An ambitious proposal from the Greens would see the federal government pay more than $8 billion to states and territories over four years to reduce public transport fares to 50¢.

Party leader Adam Bandt released costing on what it would take for the federal government to subsidise every state and territory government to make public transport cheaper.

The plan would see a full-time worker in Melbourne save $2,400 a year, and one in Sydney save $2,160.

Inspired by a similar move from the former Queensland Labor government under the leadership of Steven Miles, Bandt says that if one state can implement it, they all can.

An independent costing by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) revealed it would cost the federal government $8.1 billion dollars over the forward estimates, with the money being used to fund the lost ticket revenue from introducing the 50¢ fares.

“With poll after poll indicating we’re headed towards a minority parliament, if people vote Greens we can get cost-of-living relief like 50¢ fares. Greens pressure got 50¢ fares in Queensland, and now we want it for everyone,” he said.

“I could see the government backing this. It’s very doable … Anthony Albanese is on the record supporting funding public transport.”

Greens have high hopes for federal election

The Greens’ spokeswoman for transport Elizabeth Watson-Brown echoed Bandt’s enthusiasm.

“Queensland’s recent shift to 50c fares has been proven to be a huge success. It has reduced traffic and emissions, massively increased ridership on public transport, and saved Queenslanders millions,” she said.

“Now it’s time to roll out 50¢ fares across the country. If it’s good enough for both Queensland Labor and LNP, surely it’s good enough for Federal Labor.”

The move comes ahead of the of the federal election slated for May of this year, with the Greens hoping the ballots will deliver a minority government, giving the party more leverage to get its policies through parliament.

Also on their election agenda is an expansion of free dental services under Medicare, and a plan to make public education free by giving households $800 per child at the start of a school year to help pay for out-of-pocket fees.

The Greens hope that the costs can be subsidised by their controversial “Robin Hood” tax plan, which would see large corporations and mining companies hit with 40 per cent taxes on super profits.

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