Kent Parkstreet1d ago

So public transport users have supported the system by paying for it, now it will be free for motorists? Why? Because they will be suffering?

It’s cool that there is extra capacity available, but why isn’t it being used to reduce the current overcrowding on peak services?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/free-public-transport-april-victoria-fuel-prices-cost-of-living/106506974

Public transport to be free for Victorians in April as fuel prices climb

The Victorian government says public transport will be free across the state in April in a bid to relieve cost-of-living pressure as fuel prices continue to climb.

Show threadCarolyn22h ago
@kentparkstreet1 It’s an opportunity to get more people using transit. It will lower pollution, mean less congestion. I hope they adapt train schedules to accommodate increased traffic, as a bad experience will have folk racing back to their cars.
Show threadKent Parkstreet21h ago

@CStamp

I doubt they have the capacity to increase services. If they do, why are our current peak services so crowded?

I don’t see the reason for making it free? Why not try to expand services to cater to an increase of use due to petrol prices? Why do people need more incentive?

Show threadCarolyn21h ago

@kentparkstreet1 People need incentive to change habits.

If they cannot increase capacity, then that is a very stupid, badly-planned solution that is going to frustrate everyone.

Show threadEwen Bell 📸
@CStamp @kentparkstreet1

Capacity is much harder to organise than changing a ticket price. Victorian government has been addressing several constraints on capacity over the past decade, including an entirely new train line.

I do think there's plenty of incentive from fuel prices without having to give away free fares, but it's also a good publicity stunt that makes the govt look like they're doing something.

The price of second hand cars has dropped near 10% in recent weeks, so people are ready to look at alternatives. If we get a bunch of new PT fans then maybe it's a net win. Would be even better if the free PT was a permanent initiative like it is in the CBD.
Mar 29 at 1:49amWeb
Show threadCarolyn21h ago

@ewen @kentparkstreet1 If you are used to the convenience of a car, with your own music, your own schedule, quieter, no crowds shoving and lining up, no mass exposure to covid and flu viruses, then the extra push of "try this, it's free for a while" might have more folk give it a try. A car in traffic is still more comfortable than a crowded public transit car.

Doing this without first considering impact on service and planning for it, though, is ill-advised.

Show threadKent Parkstreet20h ago

@CStamp @ewen

The idea of this is cost reduction due to petrol prices. Why do we need to encourage anyone? Offering more services to cater to more passengers makes sense, but why should we give incentives to do something for their own benefit?

Show threadCarolyn20h ago
@kentparkstreet1 @ewen Less traffic will benefit everyone who breathes, less air pollution.
Show threadKent Parkstreet20h ago

@CStamp @ewen

I just can’t see that all the people who’ve used the system for years had to pay, but those who chose not to have to be bribed to use it short term, until petrol comes down again. Without extra capacity no one will be converted to using it all the time.

Show threadCarolyn20h ago

@kentparkstreet1 @ewen It seems it will be free to everyone?

So consider this a reward.

Show threadKent Parkstreet18h ago

@CStamp @ewen

Our public transport is privately operated. We’ll have to pay those corporations.

Show threadKent Parkstreet20h ago

@ewen @CStamp

I reckon we’ll get many furious that their tram is banked up on St Kilda Rd, or their train is too full to be able to get in.