State budget: Half-price public transport extended a further 12 months for select Tasmanians

Half-price bus and ferry fares will be extended for a further 12 months, Thursday’s state budget will reveal – but the continuation will only apply to some Tasmanians. WHO WILL BENEFIT >>>

The Bridgewater Express Metro bus at Elizabeth Street in Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

Students and regional Tasmanians will continue to enjoy half-price bus and ferry fares for a further 12 months, the state government has confirmed.

Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the discount fares, which commenced in June last year, would be extended for an additional year for certain demographics.

Beyond June 30, 2025, the cost-of-living measure will no longer apply for non-students or people living in urban areas.

Mr Abetz said the “popular” initiative would be extended for students and regional bus routes under the 2025-26 state budget, which will be unveiled on Thursday.

Minister Eric Abetz with his Green Card. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“A good education sets our young Tasmanians on a pathway to success – but it’s no use if they can’t get there,” he said.

“This initiative will ensure students can get to their education via public transport for half the price.

“Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas who rely on buses will also benefit from the extension of half price bus fares – this means medical appointments, employment, education and opportunity are more accessible.”

The minister said because regional routes were longer, it meant they were more expensive, and the half-price fares had resulted in “increases in passengers … due to the significant savings that can be made”.

“It has made a real impact – for example if you’re coming into Hobart from Huonville normally this would cost $17.60 return,” he said.

“Under our half-price fares policy, this reduces to $8.80 return, which is comparable to urban at the normal fare rate.”

Derwent Ferry leaves the Eastern Shore. Picture: Richard Jupe

The half-price fares apply to public services from Metro Tasmania and Derwent Ferries, as well as private operators such as Tassielink, Kinetic, Manions’ Coaches, Calow’s Coaches, and Area Connect.

Public transport patronage has been lagging across the Metro network, despite fares being slashed.

Recently published data showed there were 1.3 per cent less boardings in February than there were in the same month last year, before the cheaper fares were introduced.

The government has proposed to sell off Metro, with independent economist Saul Eslake being commissioned to review the case for privatising certain government businesses.

Originally published as State budget: Half-price public transport extended a further 12 months for select Tasmanians