SA Opposition Pledges 50-Cent Public Transport Fare if Elected
Adelaide, SA – South australia’s Liberal opposition has announced a plan to slash public transport fares to a flat 50 cents per passenger, applying to all metropolitan public transport and regional bus services, shoudl they win the state election next year.The policy,unveiled today,aims to boost patronage which remains substantially below pre-COVID levels.
The proposed fare reduction builds on a recent government initiative lowering the cost of a 28-day student pass to $10, equating to 25 cents per ride. Opposition transport spokesperson Ben Hood stated evidence from interstate suggests a flat fee could increase public transport usage by “up to 40 per cent.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas criticized the Liberal plan, arguing it is underfunded and fails to account for the necessary investment in additional buses, trains, and trams to accommodate a potential surge in passengers. “One of the reasons why it’s underfunded is because they’re not going to invest … in the additional buses, the trains and the trams that would actually be required to accommodate additional passengers,” he said.
The current labor government recently implemented a tailored fare system designed to best suit South Australians,according to Transport Minister Tom Tarzia.
Greens MLC Robert Simms has voiced support for the Liberal’s announcement, stating “it’s one the community supports.”
