Liberals pledge another year of half-price public transport

Tasmanians will enjoy another 12 months of half-priced public transport if the Liberal government is re-elected at the July 19 state election, the Franklin MP Eric Abetz has pledged.

Minister Eric Abetz with his green card. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmanians will enjoy another 12 months of half-priced public transport if the Liberal government is re-elected at the July 19 state election, the member for Franklin Eric Abetz has pledged.

The government's current half-price fare deal for those who are not students or who live in urban areas expires on Monday, although the concession for students and regional passengers was recently extended for another 12 months.

Mr Abetz says half-price bus fares for everyone will be available for another 12 months if the Liberals get back in, providing cost-of-living relief to families, commuters, students and regional communities.

Metro bus driver Mark Spong tries out the new screens alongside Transport Minister Eric Abetz. Picture: Supplied

He said the discount would cover all passengers, from those on urban routes to regional and rural areas, as well as the Derwent River ferry until June 30 next year.

Mr Abetz, who is also the Minister for Transport, said the initiative will ease pressure on household budgets while helping Tasmanians stay connected.

“We recognise that many Tasmanians are doing it tough, which is why we’re making it more affordable to get to work, school, appointments, or just get out and about,” he said.

“The half-price bus fares initiative has been a huge success, with 5.8 million journeys benefiting from this cost-of-living relief measure taken in under a year on Metro Tasmania buses, fare-paying students’ services and the Derwent Ferry.

“We have already seen a boost in the number of passengers on regional routes, with some recording an 18 per cent increase due to the significant savings that can be made.

A Metro bus on Macquarie Street in Hobart on Tuesday 19th November 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

“If you’re travelling into Hobart from Huonville, for example, the usual $17.60 return fare is reduced to $8.80.

“In the North West, a return trip from Smithton to Burnie is discounted from $32 to $16, while in the North, the usual $22.80 return trip from Scottsdale to Launceston is down to $11.40.

“While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare, more housing, and responsible cost-of-living relief.

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

Data showed there were 1.3 per cent fewer boardings in February than there were in the same month the previous year — before the cheaper fares were introduced.

Originally published as Liberals pledge another year of half-price public transport