The Victorian politician says transport policy has to extend beyond single election terms to benefit the state
Victorian politician Rod Barton says public transport accessibility has to be changed to accommodate a more long-term vision for the state.
Last week, Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy announced that the Coalition government, if elected, would cap public transport fares at $2 per day for the next four years.
Barton says public transport strategies must look beyond a single electoral cycle. In 2020, Barton introduced the Inquiry into Expanding Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone and the terms of reference included providing free transport for students and seniors.
During this inquiry, Infrastructure Victoria stated that making fares free for students and seniors would reach 58 per cent of low-income earners in Victoria.
Barton says reducing living costs and enhancing mobility for over half of low-income earners would be a significant achievement and critical progress towards a fairer and more equitable society.
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Transport experts have alleged that the Liberals’ plan to cap fares won’t support families who truly need it. Barton says there is nothing more important than ensuring kids can get to and from school and seniors can access basic health and community services.
Barton says public transport concessions must be fiscally responsible and look to the long-term. He says a four-year discount for all Victorians will not address the systematic transport disadvantages faced by our most vulnerable.
“Victoria’s can tell a one-off election cycle policy from a long-term public transport plan when they see one,” Barton says.
“There needs to be serious reform of our public transport fare system to make it more accessible. Currently, it is far from fair or equitable.”