The CEO of Australasia’s largest bus operator has welcomed free public transport initiatives across the country, saying fuel supply is secure and services are running consistently for an increased number of passengers wanting to use bus services.
Over the weekend, both Victoria and Tasmania announced they would temporarily make public transport free in a bid to reduce fuel usage.
Kinetic CEO and Go Ahead Group chair Michael Sewards has welcomed the move and urged commuters to take advantage of the cost savings, which will last until the end of April in Victoria and until July in Tasmania.
“Rising fuel prices are putting real pressure on household budgets, and many Australians are feeling it every time they fill up the car. With public transport now free across Victoria and Tasmania, there has never been a better time to leave the car at home and give the bus a try to see how it fits into your routine,” Sewards says.
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“Our services are running as scheduled, our fuel supply is secure and passengers can rely on us. We’ve already seen passenger numbers increase across the country, and we expect free fares to bring even more people on board.”
With more than 430 electric buses running across 19 electrified depots in Australia and New Zealand, Kinetic operates approximately 49 million kilometres across Melbourne each year via 146 routes.
Sewards says this network is prepared to welcome an increased load of patrons in the coming months.
“Every passenger who chooses public transport over a car is reducing emissions and their total fuel consumption. As we continue to electrify our fleet, that impact only grows,” he says.
“Moments like this also reinforce why investing in the electrification of bus fleets matters – not just for the environment, but because every electric bus on the road is one more vehicle that is completely unaffected by diesel prices.”
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