Stefan Bradley
FREE public transport for under 21s, $1 a day for concession and $3 a day for adults is the ‘Climate Ticket’ the Victorian Greens are proposing as an election policy to get cars off the road, reduce emissions and combat the rising cost-of-living.
With the Coalition and Labor already committing to reduce public transport fares, the Greens’ ‘Climate Ticket’ is the latest announcement to encourage Victorians to take a bus, tram or train around the state.
The Climate Ticket would be free for under 21s, $1 a day for concession card holders and $3 a day for adults. The ticket would be available as a monthly, quarterly or yearly ticket.
The Greens say they will push the next government to go further and faster in supporting people to make the switch to more climate-friendly transport.
The Coalition and Labor have made V/Line specific policies, but the Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria, Mat Morgan, has clarified to the Gippsland Times that the ‘Climate Ticket’ applies to all public transport across the state.
“The Greens plan for cheaper public transport, and free PT for under 21s, is extremely beneficial for regional Victorians, as this policy applies for V/Line and regional transport too,” he said.
“Simply making transport cheaper though, isn’t a viable solution. We need to dramatically increase services simultaneously.
“That’s why the Greens are proposing a fleet of 3000 electric busses, which will be built right here in Victoria. Unlike the Coalition, we support the Government’s rail infrastructure projects closer to the city to free up congestion down the line, which is what is currently preventing more regional rail services being added.
“It’s time to start investing seriously in clean, green public transport, and to make it accessible and affordable for more Victorians.”
The Coalition wants to reduce fares to $2 a day for adults for local transport, including buses in regional areas, and halve V/Line fares, if they’re elected.
Labor plans to cut V/Line fares to match Melbourne’s prices, meaning adult V/Line passengers wouldn’t pay more than $9.20 a day.
