The Greens are set to officially announce today an $8.1 billion plan to charge 50c across the country for rides on public transport.
Leader of the party Adam Brandt is expected to make the announcement in Melbourne today ahead of the upcoming byelection in the Victorian seat of Prahan on Saturday, 8 February.
This is the latest in a series of what has been reported as “Robin Hood” policies designed to put pressure on the major parties to relieve cost of living pressures for voters ahead of this year’s Federal election.
Under the proposal, the Federal Government would need to pay states and territories $8.1 billion over the next four years to fund public transport costs and adjust the passenger charge to a flat rate of 50 cents per trip.
An additional $250m would be given to assist with the cost of adopting “smart ticketing” systems that allow travellers to use their phone, credit or debit cards to “tap on” to transport.
Bandt took to X this morning saying this initiative would put $2,400 a year back in the pocket of a full-time worker.
“By putting more Greens MPs in Parliament, we can keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act on the cost-of-living crisis,” said Bandt in a post to X.
The Greens first announced plans to introduce the scheme in Victoria alone at the start of this month.
The proposal was for an initial 6-month trial which would cost the government $339 million, making transport across metropolitan Melbourne and regional towns across the state 50c.
The party suggested that funding for the trial could be drawn from the existing online gambling levy and the introduction of a bank levy, also saying that a reduction in fare evasion and increased patronage could reduce government costs.
They said that the significantly reduced fares would save commuters up to $50 a week, increase patronage on the network and also reduce pollution.
The party also said the cost of the trial in Victoria would be comparable to the Government’s school saving bonus - demonstrating it is realistic and affordable.
This comes as the Queensland Liberal government successfully trialled and implemented permanent 50c public transport fares on all Translink networks across Queensland in 2024.
The initiative was campaigned for by the greens and as a result of its success, the party says the policy has received tripartisan support.
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