With the federal election rounding the corner, all parties have been loud in voicing its campaign promises and hopes for the future of Australia.
Amongst these, the Greens have taken a particular interest in the country’s public transport systems, now urging the Liberal government to make transport free.
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Figures were recently released that showed there has only been a small increase in the uptake of bus services since the introduction of half-price bus fares in Tasmania.
Even with the release of its new live-tracking services, the Greens believe more can be done to improve the state’s bus system.
“Whilst the real time tracking on the Metro App is a step in the right direction, the Liberal Government needs to show more love to Metro. Slashed bus services must be reinstated to get more people on buses,” a Greens statement reads.
“In the greater Hobart area alone, most of the 180 bus services ‘temporarily cut’ more than a year and a half ago have not been reinstated.
“Alongside more reliable services, the Liberal Government should make public transport free. When the Liberals trialled free public transport three years ago, the number of bus users dramatically increased.”
Lowering public transport fares has seen incredible success across the country over the past 12 months, with Queensland’s 50 cent fares seeing more people take public transport than ever before.
“Public transport is a basic service – it should be free and reliable. Tasmanians are struggling in this cost of living crisis, and by making public transport free, the Liberal Government can help Tasmanians make big cost savings,” the statement reads.
“Making public transport free doesn’t just benefit Tasmanians’ hip pockets. It reduces traffic congestion, makes buses safer for drivers, and has great impacts for the climate. It’s time the Liberals made this basic public service free and reliable.”
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