Catching public transport has been repeatedly cited as one of the most efficient ways to ease pressure on fuel supplies, as the conflict in Iran rages on and service stations grapple with both shortages and panic buying.
In his national address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged Aussies to swap their cars for public transport if they can, saving fuel for those who have “no choice” but to drive.
In Victoria, the government announced last week that all trains, trams and buses would be free until the end of April, in a move backed by energy analysts.
It’s sparked calls for other states to follow suit. Tasmania has also introduced free bus and ferry travel until June 30. Queensland has had 50c public transport since August, 2024.
But in Melbourne, reports are emerging of the chaos that’s ensued as crowds swarm to take advantage of the cheaper travel.
Melbourne resident Ruby Doyle spoke to Yahoo News Australia about the surge in public transport patronage, branding it “wild” to see people with what she described as little regard for personal space or decorum.
Ruby said that while there’s been a notable uptake, it also feels like there’s been “a decrease in services as well as more delays”.
“It feels like the government announced free transport but didn’t have a plan on how to actually make transport run smoothly for the general public,” Ruby told Yahoo.
“The trams in the morning are usually busy, but what I saw was a whole new level of busy with trams feeling less frequent and therefore more overcrowded.
“It has made commuting so overwhelming, and made me want to avoid it altogether, or look for alternative routes just to avoid the CBD.”
Public transport is free across Victoria until the end of April, but swarms of crowds have flocked to the services in response. Source: i.outlook4567
Ruby acknowledged that trams and other public transport services in the city are often overcrowded, a situation familiar in major urban centres like Sydney.
But from her point of view, “it feels like passengers are forgetting all social skills and not accommodating to the increase “.
She believes that the prevailing culture in Australia on public transport strongly leans toward “every person for themselves,” where individualism and self-reliance are deeply ingrained in daily life.
“People are not moving down the walkways to create space, they aren’t moving over to create a free seat, and they are putting their bags next to them instead of on the ground or in their laps and not letting people get off first before getting on the trams,” she said.
“People need to remember that we are all trying to get places and that everyone’s trips would be much more enjoyable if we all remembered our manners and were more spacially aware.
“For example, Japan’s public transport system is incredible, people line up for the train and let everyone exit before boarding. You would never see this in Australia, people only really care about themselves and not the community.”
Locals concerned as crowds flock to state’s free public transport
Ruby isn’t the only one speaking out.
Portland grandmother Wendy Taylor is worried she won’t be able to find a seat on the train to Geelong for an upcoming medical appointment.
For the month, seat reservations on long-distance V/Line services are unavailable, meaning travel will be first-come, first-served.
While the state government has said existing reservations will be honoured, Ms Taylor fears hers could be lost in the rush.
“I’d much rather just pay for it, and you’re guaranteed a seat,” she told AAP. “I just think it will be a dog’s breakfast.”
No extra services have been added for April, but Premier Jacinta Allan said the transport network is well-placed to cope.
“We have a strong public transport system because we’ve literally built it,” she told reporters on Tuesday.
The state will monitor patronage to decide whether additional services are needed, Allan added.
Victoria’s free transport initiative is expected to cost $71 million in lost revenue, but Allan said a regular user would save $228 over the month.
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