Public bus travel is free in Tasmania for five weeks, with the temporary subsidy covering all fare types and running until the end of April.
As skyrocketing fuel prices have added to the cost-of-living pressures in recent weeks,
the subsidy aims to temporarily lessen the impact for commuters that can access public bus services.
According to the Tasmanian Government’s FuelCheck TAS app, the price of Unleaded 91 fuel ranged between 227.9 and 229.9 cents per litre at three major chain fuel outlets in Kingston on Wednesday, March 23.
Meanwhile the price of Unleaded 91 fuel at the Independent Sandfly General Store was recorded at 210.0 cents per litre.
“The Tasmanian Government heavily subsidises Metro and other private providers of public transport around the State”, noted Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson.
“Heavily subsidised fares are already attractive when compared to the cost of running, insuring, maintaining and parking cars.
“Fares will be free across all operators, school buses and general access buses, and across all fare types (adult, concession and students).
“An adult travelling on a Metro urban Zone 1 trip will save $5.60 a day.
Minister Ferguson said, “higher fuel prices are due to global fuel market uncertainty”.
“At this point, we see a temporary, highly attractive measure such as free bus travel as one option the Tasmanian Government can activate to ease cost of living pressures.
“Importantly, it also encourages Tasmanians who aren’t already in the habit of catching buses.
“Congestion is assisted by this type of successful public transport “mode shift”.
“The Government will ask Public Transport operators to monitor and assess services during this special initiative due to the potential for significant new demand.
“We also thank passengers in advance for their patience if their preferred service becomes busy, particularly during peak periods.”
Premier for Tasmania, Peter Gutwein said in a media release on March 22 that overall support would review after April.
“If more assistance is needed, we will consider it,” stated the Premier.
