State-by-state data shows averages on who is spending more to get around
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has released new data on transport affordability in each capital city showing Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are all above the national average for spending.
“Australians know transport is expensive, but they might be surprised to know just how expensive,” says AAA chief executive Michael Bradley.
“The average household will spend fourteen thousand dollars a year on transport in Hobart, but up to twenty-two thousand dollars a year if they live in Western Sydney.”
Australians only spend around $40 per week on public transport, while the weekly household fuel costs associated with driving add up to almost $60 alone.
This could be a justification for Brisbanites to drive rather than use public transport, as a Brisbane household is likely to spend around $60 a week to use the often criticised system.
Perth and Sydney provide somewhat costly transport too, with their public systems costing households just over $50 a week.
Those using a Myki to get around Victoria’s capital can expect the best public transport value, taking into account the scale of the system, at an average of $39 a week, $1 below the national average.
Across the first half of 2016, the AAA found the national household average for transport spending to be around $325.
These amounts include public transport expenses as well as costs of car ownership such as fuel, tolls, and insurance.
Sydneysiders can be expected to spend around $420 a week, while Brisbanites and Melburnians also top the national average at about $377 and $350 a week respectively.
Hobart ($275), Adelaide ($280), and Darwin ($290) all provide the lowest weekly spending figures.
The report compiled by the AAA assumes the average Australian has a car loan, which brings the cost of car ownership up significantly.
“The AAA’s Transport Affordability Index enables individuals, families and policymakers to better understand household transportation cost,” Bradley says.
“This will allow households to make informed decisions about where their money is spent, and give policymakers a greater understanding of how their decisions impact households across Australia.”