The NSW government has ruled out offering free public transport, despite mounting pressure from the Coalition and the transport union, arguing the move would cost the state “millions of dollars every single day.”
The renewed calls come as other states roll out cost‑of‑living relief. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has announced free travel throughout April, while Tasmania will offer free buses and ferries until July as fuel prices continue to surge.
On Sunday, the average price of unleaded petrol in NSW hit $2.50 per litre, while diesel climbed to $3.05, according to the state’s Fuel Check website. The ongoing fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran has left 229 service stations without diesel and 66 completely out of petrol, government figures show.
Both the NSW Liberal Party and the transport union urged the government to ease pressure on households by making public transport free. But Transport Minister John Graham dismissed the idea, insisting fares must remain in place.
He warned that waiving fares would drain the state budget. “We would lose millions of dollars for every single day that public transport was free,” he said, adding that the funds would be needed for future transport investments and maintenance.
As fuel prices continue to climb and supply disruptions worsen, the debate over public transport relief is far from over but for now, commuters will continue paying full fare.
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