The Canberra Greens are calling for free public transport during the current fuel crisis, arguing the measure should form part of a broader cost-of-living and emissions package in the ACT’s 2026–27 Budget.
The party has written to Chief Minister Andrew Barr advocating for urgent household support, transport incentives and faster investment in zero-emission infrastructure ahead of the June Budget.
Among the proposals is a call to make public transport free for the duration of the crisis, with the Greens arguing the measure could reduce household transport costs and help more Canberrans shift away from private car use.
The proposal would place buses at the centre of the ACT’s immediate cost-of-living response, particularly for households facing higher petrol prices.
ACT Greens transport spokesperson Andrew Braddock is also expected to introduce a motion to the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday aimed at supporting cheaper and lower-emission transport options.
“Canberrans are feeling the pressure, at the bowser, and in the supermarket and desperately looking for any way to reduce their household costs,” Braddock says.
“Public transport, EVs and e-bikes offer a clear, cheaper alternative to fuel-hungry cars. This crisis is already pushing many people to make the switch, and this motion aims to support those who need help to do so.”
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The Greens are also calling for financial incentives for e-bikes and e-scooters, stronger tax settings for low and zero-emission vehicles and targeted support for low-income households, including programs to help people switch to electric appliances and vehicles.
For the bus sector, the most relevant measures are the proposed free public transport period and faster investment in electric buses and light rail expansion.
The ACT has already been transitioning its bus fleet toward zero-emission vehicles, with electric buses forming a key part of Canberra’s broader decarbonisation agenda.
The Greens argue that fuel price shocks strengthen the case for faster investment in public transport frequency, fleet electrification and alternatives to petrol-powered private vehicles.
“The government needs to step up and support people to make this transition to cleaner, greener and cheaper transport,” Braddock says.
“People are crying out for affordable alternatives, but what we’re seeing instead is hesitation and timidness from Labor, both in delivering immediate relief and in committing to long-term solutions.”
The proposal comes as governments across Australia consider fare relief and transport affordability measures in response to high fuel prices.
While the Greens have framed free public transport as an immediate response, the party is also linking the measure to longer-term investment in transport systems less exposed to fossil fuel price volatility.
Deputy leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay says the upcoming Budget should support the shift toward zero emissions.
“The Budget should send a clear signal: the future is zero emissions, and our policies need to back that in,” Clay says.
“This crisis won’t be the last. The real question is whether we use this moment to make it easy for every household to phase out fossil fuels, in their homes and their transport, because that’s how we protect Canberrans from future shocks.”
The ACT Greens say the June Budget provides an opportunity to combine short-term fare relief with longer-term changes to Canberra’s transport and energy systems.
“With the Budget coming up in June, there’s a real opportunity to deliver immediate relief while investing in long-term solutions that set Canberra up for the future, no matter what it holds,” Braddock says.
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