The Issue at a Glance
Should Public Transport be Free?
Public Transport in Melbourne
Why Should Public Transport be Free?
Premier Denis Napthine expresses how making public transport services free would also drastically drop the amount of money regular commuters are paying, and quotes that:
"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."
“[It] will enhance Melbourne’s reputation as an international city” - Dr Napthine
Scenarios Exploring the Beneficial and Non-Beneficial Reaps of Free Public Transport
"Susan Meddings
- Environmentalists "
Environmentalists like Susan have a vested interest in the environment and measure put in place to preserve it.
Susan supports the proposal because less car users will decrease the volume of pollution emitted into the atmosphere.
"Dr Napthanine
- Premier/Politician
As the Premier of the state Dr Napthine is responsible for public transport policy. He is also dependent on public support for re-election.
Dr Napthine is in support of the proposed changes - having generated them himself. He believes that they will raise Melbourne's esteem and thus improve its desirability.
"Terry Mulder
- Public Transport Minister"
As the Minister for Public Transport, she has an insight into what commuters use and require most.
Terry claims that introducing the proposal with increase the overall popularity of transport and that will be able to provide more people with what they need.
"Daniel Andrews
- Opposition Leader "
As the opposition to labour, he understands about their plans and future ideas, and could be trying to pick faults from it.
Daniel agrees with the plan, but wants to edit some of the railways to make it more efficient.
"Penelope Longmire
- Commuter "
Being a commuter, Penelope understands the difficulties and faults in public transport, as she travels by public transport regularly.
Penelope expresses how taking public transport really is a hassle, and she'd prefer to drive her car any day, because it's cheaper and easier to access.
"Lincoln Small
- Commuter"
Lincoln discusses how reducing driving would be beneficial to the environment, and would put more money into local hubs and shopping centres due to the 'Park and Ride' idea.
"Shelly Larchin
- Taxpayer "
Shelly is well informed about the idea of having to pay taxes for public and Government services.
Shelly argues that she doesn't take public transport and making those services free would cost taxpayers a heap of money. How is it fair that people who don't take public transport have to be funding it?
"Bill Ford
- Car Manufacturer "
Bill manufactures cars and leans towards the benefits that they provide the country, over the statistics of public transport.
Bill believes that due to the size of Australia's vast landscapes, there will always be a demand and need for cars to be manufactured.
"Percy Blame
- Tram Driver "
Being right at the heart of all the public transport as a driver, Percy can have a well educated opinion on trams and overall public transport.
Percy points out the fact that if the fee for taking public transport is cancelled, then the demand for more trams, trains and buses will be higher, making an abundance of jobs.