Free public transport push grows as NSW fuel prices rise

Free public transport is at the centre of a new push in NSW. Meanwhile, 9News reports the union’s call. Also, the union says petrol prices are pushing commuters onto public transport. For example, more people are using public transport to get to and from work.

Why the union wants free public transport?

The NSW fuel crisis is central to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s argument. At the same time, inflation is adding to cost-of-living pressure. In addition, interest rates are adding to that pressure. Also, diesel has risen above $3 per litre in some parts of Australia. Meanwhile, unleaded is not far lower. Still, the union says fares should be cut sharply or removed for a period.

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“We could reduce to nothing for a period of time, or drop it to 50 cents, which has worked well in Queensland,” RTBU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes said at a press conference in Sydney today. He added, “Get them out of their cars, give them cost-of-living relief, use the fuel where we need it.”

Sydney fares remain in place

Transport Minister John Graham was dismissive of the proposal. Still, he said public transport fares in Sydney were already priced fairly. “Public transport is a good alternative if you are worried about fuel prices,” he said, while stopping short of backing the union’s call.

For adults, the daily cap remains $19.30 from Monday to Thursday. Meanwhile, Transport for NSW lists a $9.65 cap from Friday to Sunday. Also, the same cap applies on public holidays. Separately, current estimates put the increase at about $30 per tank of unleaded petrol. In addition, the increase for diesel is about $70 per tank. At the same time, the comparison is with earlier prices. It is before the start of the US and Israel’s war in Iran.

Oil shipments and rationing concerns

The government says the recent Middle East conflict has not severely disrupted oil shipments. Separately, Chris Bowen said so in an ABC Insiders interview transcript. Also, he said 81 oil shipments to Australia had been counted. Meanwhile, he said that count was measured from the start of the conflict. In addition, he said the conflict had begun earlier this month. Still, only six had been cancelled.

Bowen also dismissed the idea that fuel rationing might be required in parts of Australia. For example, some petrol pumps were running dry. “The federal government does have powers, we are not contemplating to use any of those powers,” he said.

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