Why stop at $30? Greens say lets make public transport permanently free
2026-10-19
greens.org.au
The Victorian Greens say Labor's election promise to cap public transport fares at $30 a week for two years is an admission that Victorians are paying too much to get around, but falls well short of the permanent cost-of-living relief people need.


Premier Ben Carroll today announced Labor would cap public transport fares at $30 a week for just two years if re-elected.
The Greens have a plan to make public transport permanently free across Victoria, saving regular commuters thousands of dollars every year, while investing in more frequent and reliable services.


The Greens say that after 12 years in government, Labor is finally recognising that public transport should be more affordable, but Victorians shouldn't have to settle for temporary discounts that expire after the election.


Quotes attributable to the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:


“Labor is finally admitting what the Greens have been saying for years - public transport is too expensive. But why stop at $30 a week when we could make it free for everyone?”


“After 12 years in government, Labor is only offering Victorians a temporary discount with an expiry date after the election."


“People are sick of paying more and getting less. We need more frequent, reliable and accessible trains, trams and buses that people can actually depend on."


“This election is a choice between Labor’s incremental politics of half-measures - or voting Greens for real change."


“The Greens will make public transport permanently free and frequent, saving people thousands of dollars a year and making sure everyone can get where they need to go, paid for by making big corporations pay their fair share.”

Hi Sir Crook,

free?

Where would the $billions come from to pay for it?

In Victoria we are already $220 billion in debt.   

Bobby. wrote on Oct 20^th, 2026 at 8:08am:


Passenger fares only cover about 20% of the total cost of public transport.

whiteknight wrote on Oct 20^th, 2026 at 5:25am:


The Greens, like you are deluded dickheads.

What a stupid idea.

It has to be paid for somehow.

Why do you & the Greens think everything should be free?

greggerypeccary wrote on Oct 20^th, 2026 at 10:25am:



And at free they cover 0%.

You really are a twat.

Public transport in every state has always been subsidised by the tax payer.

With an ever shrinking tax base - tax payers shouldn't be expected to subsidise it until it's free.

Even big business & billionaires pay their share one way or another.

This is just socialist nonsense.

And WK is firmly on the hook of Green stupidity.

Bobby. wrote on Oct 20^th, 2026 at 10:30am:


In QLD at the moment Govt(came in under Labor) is only charging 50c fares on public transport covered by the Translink agreement & operators.

So on the entire Brisbanes Metro rail service & buses it will only cost you 50c each way on a rail or bus journey.

The longest metro/translink rail journey is from Gympie North to the Gold Coast & all that will cost you is $1 return.

It's unsustainable bullshyte.

And even with these paltry fares on train or bus - there is still fare evasion.

Gnads wrote on Oct 21^st, 2026 at 6:40pm:

I never went for 'da money' as a WORKER.
As a Confederate, who didn't tow the line with Yankee Unionism.
I went for the Fringe Benefit Agreement with my Employers.
Did you know I've shagged at least 7 female Union Reps in my time and they still failed to convince me to join the Union.

You see. When being a Worker. It means not being the Gay guy who takes 'da money' over pussy. 

I've done a lot of volunteering in my later years.
If you don't get paid, you get laid.
Sadly, I'm feeling to old to capitalise on that fringe benefit.
I guess saggy tits & wrinkles just don't make me feel young like I used to be.
Karma i guess.