The Issue At Glance
Free Public Transport
What it is and why it's happening
On march 23 2014 the Melbourne government announced its plan to make public transport free in melbournes cbd The project will commence on January 1 2015. Premier Denis Napthine said the changes would deliver significant cost of living relief to many families. “A commuter who pays for a Zone 1 and 2 ticket each day will save around $1200 a year, or, if using an annual myki pass, will save more than $750,” Dr Napthine said. Dr Napthine said train or bus passengers who travel extensively each year would be the big winners.
Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews today said that while public transport would be cheaper, Labor’s plan to remove the level crossings and kickstart the Melbourne Metro rail line was the best option for Melbourne’s future.
However some could argue that the low price of myki makes it close to free anyway or that trams will get more congested and be worse off. However it is up to you to decide where you stand