HomeAURail Union Advocates for Free Public Transport Amid Ongoing Fuel Crisis to...

Rail Union Advocates for Free Public Transport Amid Ongoing Fuel Crisis to Alleviate Commuter Strain

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The main transport workers’ union in NSW has called on the state government to scrap fares on public transport as more people ditch cars due to the rising cost of petrol.
With diesel reaching above $3 a litre in some parts of the country, and unleaded not too far behind, more people are using public transport to commute to and from work.
With higher inflation and interest rates also contributing to cost-of-living pressures, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) believes public transport fares should either be reduced significantly or temporarily removed altogether.
With diesel reaching above $3 a litre in some parts of the country, and unleaded not too far behind, more people are using public transport to commute to and from work. (Sitthixay Ditthavong)
“We could reduce to nothing for a period of time, or drop it to 50 cents, which has worked well in Queensland,” RTBU NSW branch secretary Toby Warnes said at a press conference in Sydney today.

“Encourage people to leave their cars behind, offer some financial respite, and allocate fuel where it’s most necessary.” This was the rallying cry from union leaders advocating for change.

However, Transport Minister John Graham was quick to dismiss the proposal, asserting that Sydney’s public transport fares are already reasonable. “Public transport serves as a viable option for those concerned about rising fuel costs,” he remarked, distancing himself from the union’s stance.

For adults in Sydney, the daily cap on public transport fares is set at $19.30 from Monday through Thursday, while it drops to $9.65 on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.

Amidst international tensions, Australians are feeling the pinch at the pump. Since the onset of conflicts involving the US and Israel in Iran, the cost of unleaded petrol has surged by approximately $30 per tank, while diesel has skyrocketed by about $70 per tank.

The daily cap for adults using public transport in Sydney is $19.30 between Monday and Thursday, and $9.65 from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.

Current estimates show Australians are paying about $30 more per tank of unleaded petrol and $70 per tank of diesel since the start of the US and Israel’s war in Iran.

An Ampol petrol station in Neutral Bay, a favourite for motorists on Sydney's Northern Beaches, has been run dry.
Some petrol stations are running dry. (Supplied)
The government says oil shipments haven’t been hugely impacted by the recent conflict in the Middle East, with federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen declaring only six of the 81 shipments of oil to Australia since the conflict began earlier this month have been cancelled.

He also quashed the idea of fuel rationing being required in parts of Australia, despite some petrol pumps running dry.

“The federal government does have powers, we are not contemplating to use any of those powers,” he said.

He conceded there would be “bumps in supply”.

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