Free public transport in Australia: Victoria, Tasmania fare-free

Free public transport in Australia is expanding in some states as fuel costs rise. Still, other states are keeping fares in place or rejecting broader changes.

Free public transport in Australia: where fares have been removed

Victoria and Tasmania have both moved to waive fares for limited periods. In Victoria, metropolitan services and V/Line will be free from March 31 to April 30. Premier Jacinta Allan said the “temporary” measure would support families in the state and help reduce pressure on petrol demand. Also, the Victorian government has put the cost of the initiative at $70 million.

Meanwhile, Tasmania is making buses and ferries free for three months. From March 30 to June 30, fares will not apply on these services:

• Metro Tasmania
• Tassielink Transit
• Kinetic
• Manions Coaches
• Calows Coaches
• Area Connect
• Derwent Ferries

In addition, all government-contracted school bus services that normally charge passengers will also be free. This will apply during the same period. Tasmania’s bus use rose 20 per cent in the week before free fares were announced. Also, the Tasmanian government said the policy would cost about $850,000 a month. That equals a little more than $2.5 million up until July.

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Separately, in the Northern Territory, public bus services have been free since July 2024. This applies in the greater Darwin region and Alice Springs.

Queensland keeps 50 cent fares across Translink

Queensland has not made its network free. Still, it introduced permanent 50 cent fares in 2024. These apply across the full Translink public transport network. In Brisbane, that applies to every train, ferry and bus trip. Also, in regional Queensland, the same flat fare applies on Translink network bus services in:

• Bowen
• Bundaberg
• Cairns
• Fraser Coast
• Gladstone
• Gympie
• Innisfail
• Kilcoy
• Mackay
• Rockhampton and Yeppoon
• Sunshine Coast Hinterland
• Toowoomba
• Townsville
• Warwick
• Whitsundays

Separately, the Queensland Treasury said the figure was up by more than 20 per cent. It was referring to the number of South East Queenslanders using public transport, as of February.

Other states keep public transport fares in place

New South Wales

Still, New South Wales has rejected calls for free travel. Transport Minister John Graham said the state would forgo “millions of dollars for every single day” if travel on public transport were made free. Meanwhile, the NSW Liberal Party and the transport union urged free travel. As Railway Supply reported, they said it would counter higher fuel prices. For passengers on the Sydney Metro Network, fares begin at $4.33 for peak train travel. Bus fares start at $3.30.

South Australia

At the same time, South Australia has taken a similar line. South Australian treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said it would not be responsible to provide free public transport. “Yes, it would be lovely to give everyone free public transport and free car parking and a puppy,”  Mr Koutsantonis said. Transport minister Joe Szakacs had earlier said the government was not considering fare cuts. Peak fares on the Adelaide Metro are set at $4.55. Off-peak trips cost $2.60. For example, several groups have backed free public transport:

• the SA Liberal Party
• the Greens
• the South Australian Business Chamber
• the Rail, Tram and Bus Union

Western Australia

Meanwhile, SBS News reported that Premier Roger Cook had ruled out fare reductions in Western Australia. He said prices were already at a “historically low” level. “Rick Astley was top of the charts when fares were this low in Western Australia back in the 80s,” Mr Cook said. He had previously said boardings were up 15 per cent by March 19. This covered buses, trains and ferries. Also, Western Australia already has the $2.80 Go Anywhere Fare across Transperth and Transregional services. Free travel is also available on Sundays across the state. It is also available on weekdays within the Perth Free Transit Zone.

Australian Capital Territory

Separately, the Australian Capital Territory has also declined to match Queensland’s 50 cent model. On March 24, the ACT Legislative Assembly voted down a motion. It proposed 50-cent public transport fares. The Canberra Times later reported that Chief Minister Andrew Barr would seek federal funding. The aim was to make buses and trams in Canberra free. Also, a peak-hour MyWay+ fare in Canberra is $3.41. That drops to $2.70 in off-peak periods and on weekends. In addition, the city has a daily cap of $10.16 on weekdays. On weekends, the cap is $6.22.

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