The Issue at a Glance
Should Public Transport be Free
Context of the Proposal
- All tram networks in the CBD and Docklands are free
- The maximum fare for trains, trams or buses will be a zone 1 fare
- Passengers only travelling in zone 2 have a discounted fare
Regardless of who wins the next election, the public transport fees will decrease massively as the Labour government have backed the proposed plan. Premier Denis Napthine has statd “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". However, the plan involves a payment of $100 million a year from the State Budget. The maximum increase of costs for this plan is 2.5% plus inflation.
Benefits to Society
- The proposal creates a fair system that steers away from discrimination that detriments people that are unable to pay the fares.
- Fare evasion will be abolished, ridding the negative system and reducing costs for ticket inspectors and advertisements.
- In result of less cars being on the road, less carbon will be emitted, supporting Australia's vision of becoming an environmentally friendly country, adopting clean energy sources.
The Negative Side
- The quality of the transport and environment would be degraded, as not as much money would be put in.
- Not all taxpayers will benefit from the plan, however everybody has to pay a significant amount