A re-elected majority Liberal Government will halve bus fares as part of a plan to reduce cost of living pressures.
Bus fares on Metro and rural routes, as well as Derwent ferries, will be cut in half from 1 June this year, to 30 June 2025.
The plan is expected to cost $14 million dollars.
“School buses, general access buses, ferries across all fare types including adults, students and concession passengers will benefit from this measure,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“This will make a real hip-pocket difference to hundreds of thousands of Tasmanians.
“Under our commitment, a typical Metro fare will halve from $3.50 to $1.75. This means a Tasmanian who catches a bus to and from work every day of the working week will save $17.50 a week.
“That saving is even bigger for regional Tasmanians. The bus fare from Smithton to Burnie halves from $16 to $8 and Hobart to Huonville goes down to just $4.40.”
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the measure will also increase public transport patronage, including encouraging more people to use public transport for the first time, reducing congestion on our roads.
“Every person who takes a bus is potentially a vehicle off the road network, whether that’s on the Tasman Bridge or Wellington St in Launceston,” Mr Ferguson said.
The introduction of a common ticketing system later this year, enabling one transaction per passenger travelling between rural areas and the Metro network, is also being described as a key improvement.
This new system will include real time monitoring of bus services enabling passengers to track their bus arrival times and plan for more time at home and less time at the bus stop.
The opposition has responded to the announcement saying it will match the commitment but go further, restoring services and ensuring drivers and mechanics are retained.
