Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The government’s initiative to grant seniors free travel on public transport during Seniors Week is nice enough, but it begs the question why they won’t consider making public transport free for everyone, always.
The Greens understand that making public transport free would not only reduce traffic congestion, but also support people to access employment opportunities, education, healthcare, and other services. It’s a key health and cost of living measure.
While making public transport free might sound expensive, a closer look shows its annual cost would actually be less than what government spends each year subsidizing the horse and greyhound racing industries.
All the evidence confirms pouring money into road infrastructure will not solve traffic problems.
Rather than pursuing wastefully expensive and controversial projects like adding another lane to the Southern Outlet (at the expense of residents’ homes), the government should be investing in policies that will actually work – like free public transport.
The Greens strongly believe in making public transport free and accessible to everyone, which is why we fund this important program in our Alternative Budget each year.
We hope one day the Gutwein Government will come around and implement this common sense policy that would have universal positive benefits for the Tasmanian community.