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Victoria Makes All Public Transport Free for April to Ease Costs
The Victorian government expects the free public transport initiative to save commuter households up to $500 and reduce fuel demand amid rising prices and shortages.
- On Sunday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced all metro, tram, V/Line, and bus services will be free statewide throughout April as a temporary cost-of-living measure.
- Skyrocketing fuel prices nearing $3 per litre amid Middle East supply shocks prompted the initiative, with more than 100 petrol stations across Victoria already run out of fuel.
- Passengers need not touch on their Myki cards as gates remain open throughout April; the state estimates the measure will cost about $60 million in forgone revenue.
- Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy argues the policy offers minimal benefit where car dependency remains essential, while New South Wales declined to follow Victoria's approach.
- Officials will monitor the situation and have not ruled out extending free transit beyond April, while Tasmania launched its own three-month free public transport initiative beginning March 30.
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Two Australian states are offering free public transport to encourage people to reduce their use of private cars amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up oil prices.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left6Leaning Right5Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
R 42%
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