The Greens have announced a new policy to shift to 50 cent fares for all public transport across Victoria as part of their plan for Prahran, to tackle cost of living ahead of the upcoming by-election.
Under the Greens plan, there would be an initial six month trial of 50 cent fares in Victoria, where all transport across metropolitan Melbourne and regional towns across the state will be only 50 cents as a combined cost of living and climate change measure.
50 cent fares will provide immediate cost-of-living relief by saving people $50 a week, as well as cutting climate pollution.
The estimated cost of the six month trial is $339 million, which the Greens propose can be funded by an increase to the existing online gambling levy and the introduction of a bank levy. A reduction in fare evasion and increased patronage will also reduce the cost of the policy.
The Greens say the policy is needed because people are struggling with the cost of living, and public transport fares are too expensive. The cost of this trial would be comparable to the Government's school saving bonus - demonstrating it is realistic and affordable.
Last year the Queensland government successfully implemented 50 cent fares after a strong campaign from the Greens. After running a hugely popular trial, the change has now become permanent with tripartisan support, and has saved Queenslanders more than $110 million.
Current patronage on Victorian public transport has still not returned to pre-COVID levels and the Greens say the success of 50c fares in Queensland shows why it's needed in Victoria.
The Greens will also be pushing for an acceleration of the integration of iPhone use to tap on and off and increased investment in public transport for more frequent services.
As stated by Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Sarah Mansfield:
"Under the Greens' plan, people would be able to get to work, the bush or the beach for 50 cents."
"The Greens' plan would put $50 a week back into people's pockets."
"We know people are doing it really tough right now and getting around our city is too expensive."
"People in Prahran want bold, positive ideas that make their lives better - that's what the Greens plan for 50c public transport will do."
"In Queensland public transport fares cost only 50c - there's no reason we can't have the same here in Victoria."
As stated by Greens candidate for Prahran and environmental engineer, Angelica Di Camillo:
"People in Prahran love public transport but it's expensive, and in a cost of living crisis, cutting fares to 50 cents will make a massive difference for our community who rely on public transport everyday."
"We also need to bring public transport to the 21st century. It's 2025 and people should be able to tap onto public transport with their phone like you can in other cities across the world."
"If Queensland can have 50c public transport fares - why can't we?"
