Free public transport could become permanent in Tasmania
The government is evaluating whether to keep buses and trains free beyond July 2027.
Tasmania's public transport is currently free until July 2027, a response to high fuel costs costing $24 million total. Transport Minister Kerry Vincent says passenger numbers have grown 'fantastic' in various areas since the scheme started.
The government is now considering whether to make free fares permanent. The government has paused a planned $27.7 million project to replace the ticketing system while assessing the numbers.
Vincent said the government wants to measure how many more people switch from cars to public transport if fares stay free, then weigh that benefit against the ongoing cost.
- Until July 2027
- Free transport duration
- 24 million dollars
- Total cost to date
- 27.7 million dollars
- Ticketing project cost
- 11.9 million dollars
- Already paid to Cubic
Why it mattersIf fares stay free, commuters would save money and more people might leave cars at home, easing congestion and pollution.
AustraliaTasmanians would keep lower transport costs, and success here could encourage other Australian states to trial similar schemes.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
