The Victorian government has announced public transport will be free across the state in April in a bid to relieve cost-of-living pressures.
The measure, which the government estimates will cost $70 million, comes as fuel costs continue to rise due to supply shocks in the Middle East, driving up prices on everyday goods.
The Iran war has caused oil supply shocks, which have led to higher fuel prices. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
All public transport across metropolitan and V/Line services will be free in Victoria from this Tuesday (March 31) until April 30.
“This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living — it will take pressure off the pump and help you save,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
“This won’t solve every problem, but it’s an immediate step to help Victorians right now while we keep working on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable.”
Victorians will not need their Myki cards to use public transport in April. (ABC News)
Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said train station ticket barriers would be open throughout the temporary free-travel period, so travellers would not need to tap on, or off.
“If people do accidentally tap on, there will be a zero charge coded into the back end of the system,” she said.
“We estimate it will cost a little bit over $70 million in forgone revenue.”
Earlier this month, as fuel prices began to climb, the Greens called for the government to implement free public transport.
The Greens referred to Parliamentary Budget Office costings, which it said estimated the measure would cost the government about $79.4 million and save a commuter household up to $500 from their family budget for the month.
The government said it hoped making public transport more affordable would incentivise people to use the system instead of driving cars.
V/Line services will be free through April. (ABC News: Violette Storm)
Myki passes, such as yearly passes will be automatically paused and resume after April.
The government said it expected trains, trams and buses to get busier but that the network would be able to handle the demand.