Public transport in two Australian states will be made free to incentivise people not to drive as fuel prices soar due to the war in the Middle East.
Victoria, home to Melbourne, has said it will have free travel throughout April, while Tasmania has announced that commuters will not need to pay from Monday until the end of June.
However, other state governments have so far declined to follow suit, with New South Wales (in which Sydney is located) indicating it was reserving funds to meet increased demand for public transport.
Australia is among a host of nations that have seen fuel prices increase sharply since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The near-total blockade of international shipping in this vital waterway—which handles around 20% of the world's oil and natural gas—has led governments to begin implementing measures to conserve fuel.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced that trains, trams, and buses in the state would be free for all, starting Tuesday, as a direct effort to alleviate pressure on petrol pumps. She emphasized, This won't solve every problem, but it's an immediate step to help Victorians right now.
In Tasmania, Premier Jeremy Rockliff also expressed concern over rising fuel costs impacting family budgets, stressing their decisive action to protect Tasmanians. The state will also make school bus services free, saving regular users approximately A$20 (£10.40) a week.
The average price of petrol in Australia has risen to A$2.38 a litre, up from around A$2.09 a month prior, reflecting the international spikes in oil prices. While the Australian government has reassured the public about supply issues, the effects of international market dynamics continue to drive local fuel prices higher.
In contrast, other states are taking a more conservative approach. New South Wales transport minister John Graham mentioned that the state is 'keeping its powder dry' as the fuel crisis is expected to persist for more than a month.
