Matthew CullisThere has been this push in Australia due to the fuel crisis to put in free public transport. I have to say that states doing this have it all wrong. Instead of making it free for everyone, target benefits for those who need it, and improve your networks. Someone living in a poorly connected area are just going to have free shit public transport, instead of public transport that could make their lives easier.
Note, I am going to Melbourne in a few weeks. We usually book the VLine from Canberra, mainly cause it is cheap, but the coach is empty going to Wodonga, and Victoria has nice new trains. I couldn't book this time around though because of the free fare thing, and there has been reports of overcrowding. There was a risk we might not be able to board and stand all the way to Melbourne. We booked NSW TrainLink instead at over $300 return for two seats, and an extra hour journey.
Jude🇵🇸@CurbsideShip116 I love the train trip from Yass to Melbs, and only $62 for old farts. It's a shame the free fares have buggered the booking system on the Vic trains though!
@sister_ratched Yes, the discounts on TrainLink is fantastic. Used it for mum before going to Sydney.