19 September 2024
The Malinauskas Government should follow the lead of their counterparts in Queensland and slash public transport fares to 50 cents, say the SA Greens.
The Queensland government has announced that it will keep public transport fares at a flat rate of 50 cents following a six-month trial that has seen over 3 million more trips and saved commuters $37 million. The trial was so successful that the Queensland opposition has matched the commitment in the lead up to the October state election.
“More South Australians are struggling to make ends meet than ever before and our State Government needs to step up here and provide relief to households,” said Greens Transport Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“While transport costs are being slashed interstate, the SA Government actually hiked up MetroCard single fares by 15 cents to $4.40 in its latest budget.”
“The Greens believe that public transport should be free and have been calling for this for some time, but at the very least the State Government should follow the example of Queensland by making public transport cheap for all commuters to ease cost of living pressures. A 6-month trial would be a good way to gauge community uptake for such a scheme. Cheap public transport would help families in the hip pocket and reduce carbon emissions, along with congestion on our roads,”
“A simple shift to 50c fares would make a big difference to SA families. In fact, we estimate a family of four that uses public transport every week-day, could save more than $1,700 over a 6 month trial period. That’s a lot of money, particularly in the middle of this cost-of-living crisis as we head towards the Christmas season.”
According to the Transport Affordability Index for the June quarter, South Australian households are paying more than $450 a week on all forms of transport.
The Greens estimate that 50 cent fares would save an SA family of four that uses public transport 5 days a week up to $290 a month and $1,740 over six months.*
*Note: estimated savings are based on 2 x 28-day passes and 2 x concession 28-day passes, five days a week.
Under current prices – a family of four would be paying $346 a month.
- 2 x regular 28-day passes: $231
- 2 x concession 28-day passes: $115.6