On 29 March, the Allan Labor Government announced that it would introduce free public transport across the state from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 30 April.

During this period, students and other Victorian residents will no longer need to tap on, and can travel for free on all trains and buses, trams in Metropolitan Melbourne, and regional trains and coaches. 

As the average price of fuel soars above $2.50 per litre for petrol, and over $3.00 per litre for diesel, this $50 million policy aims to relieve cost-of-living pressures for Victorians by reducing fuel demand. In a statement to the media, Premier Jacinta Allan said that she was “determined to do everything within [her] control to help Victorians deal with rising fuel prices.”

Currently, ticketing on a concession Myki is capped at $5.70 per day, and this policy will thus save concession card holders $125 a month for full-time students travelling five days a week, and double that for full-fare card holders. 

This would provide crucial cost-of-living relief for student commuters, during a time when the Iran war-driven oil shock is expected to exacerbate upward inflationary pressures.

What is uncertain is the extent to which this policy will reduce car usage. Due to network coverage and frequency challenges, a large portion of workers would still be required to drive to work. Daily traffic data can be accessed and compared through the Transport Victoria website.

The Albanese National Cabinet has also announced a fuel excise discount that will halve the tax to 23.6 cents per litre, which will last for three months from 1 April. This $2.55 billion measure is expected to maintain fuel demand and will lower inflation by 0.5 per cent in the 12 months to June 2027, according to Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Image Source: Nadir Kinani