15 April 2025
The SA Greens say the Malinauskas Government must commit to a trial of 50 cent public transport fares after Torrens Transit became the latest group to back the initiative.
Key points:
- The Adelaide City Council passed a resolution in March calling for a trial of 50 cent fares.
- Earlier this month, the State Upper House backed a motion from Greens Co-Leader Robert Simms MLC calling for the Government to implement a 6-month 50 cent fare trial as part of its next state budget.
- According to InDaily, public bus operator Torrens Transit CEO, Graeme Legh is supportive of the push: https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in/2025/04/14/adelaide-public-bus-operator-backs-50-cent-fare-push
- A petition on Mr Simms’ website in support of the plan has attracted more than 700 signatures in a week: https://www.robertsimms.org.au/50_cent_fares_for_all. The petition will be included in the Greens’ state budget submission.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC:
“Momentum is really building for this initiative. After this won support from all sides of politics in Queensland, here in SA it’s been backed by the Adelaide City Council, the State Upper House and now the CEO of Torrens Transit. In recent days, more than 700 South Australians have signed my online petition. It seems everyone likes the idea, except the Transport Minister.”
“50 cent fares will ease transport costs for South Australian families struggling in the middle of this cost-of-living crisis. It would ease congestion on our roads and reduce carbon emissions. It would deliver real benefits for our economy and our environment; it’s time for the Malinauskas Government to get on board and make this plan a reality.”
“The Greens estimate a family of four using public transport on weekdays could save over $1,700 during a 6-month trial. This is a significant saving that would make a big difference to families doing it tough.”