Tasmania records least affordable transport costs in the nation

Tassie has topped the list for the least affordable transport costs in the country. Find out which two local towns had the worst scores in their category nationwide.

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Tassie has topped the list for the least affordable transport costs in the country with two local towns having the worst scores in their category nationwide.

The Australian Automobile Association’s quarterly Transport Affordability Index has found disappointing results for locals.

Hobart and Launceston were the least affordable capital and regional cities in Australia for the past four reporting periods.

In Hobart, residents spent an average of 15.7 per cent of their income on transport, while those in Launceston forked out 15.6 per cent.

The next least affordable regional centre after Launceston was Alice Springs, recording 12.8 per cent.

RACT Exectutive General Manager, Membership and Communication Stacey Pennicott at one of Hobarts accident blackspots, the corner of Patrick and Murry streets.

RACT chief member experience officer Stacey Pennicott said Tasmania’s high fuel costs and relatively low average earnings were leaving locals out of pocket compared to their mainland counterparts.

“If Hobart had the same fuel prices as Perth, households would save over $500 per year,” she said.

“In the current economic conditions this is a more than significant amount that could make a real difference to many families struggling to make ends meet.”

Ms Pennicott said the average Launceston household spent $72.60 on petrol per week, with Hobart figures reaching $64.69.

She said the Tasmanian Government should implement mandatory real-time price reporting, which has been effective in other states.

“With COVID-19 hurting the whole community and household budgets stretched to the limit, the last thing we need is to be paying more than our fair share for fuel,” she said.