Two Australian states are allowing residents to use public transportation for free to encourage reduced private car use amid the Middle East conflict that has driven oil prices up sharply.
On 29 March 2026, Victoria authorities, home to Melbourne, announced that trains, trams, and buses would be free to use from Tuesday (31 March) through the end of April.
“This may not solve every problem, but it is an immediate step to assist Victorians right now,” said Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria.
Meanwhile, the Tasmanian government, governing the island state off Australia’s mainland, declared that coaches, buses, and ferries would be free from Monday until the end of June.
“We understand that rising fuel prices affect household expenses. That is why we have decided to take decisive action again to protect Tasmanians,” said Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania.
In addition, Tasmania’s Minister for Transport said school bus services that previously charged fees will now be free, saving users up to 20 Australian dollars (about 450 baht) per week.
However, governments in other states have declined to adopt this measure. New South Wales, home to Sydney, said it is reserving funds to handle increased demand for public transport services.
South Australia stated it is expanding senior citizen travel cards while absorbing higher fuel costs, and a Queensland spokesperson told SBS News that the state introduced a fixed fare of 50 cents since February last year.
Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia, said his state had already reduced fares earlier, and current fares are the lowest since the 1980s.
Australia is among several countries facing sharp fuel price increases since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sought to reassure drivers on Friday after reports of panic buying of petrol and several service stations running out of fuel.
The average petrol price in Australia rose to 2.38 Australian dollars per litre last Sunday, up from about 2.09 dollars when the conflict began a month earlier, according to the Australian Petroleum Institute.
The Australian government stated the issue is not a shortage of supply but the sharp rise in global oil prices, which has driven up the cost of refined fuels.
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Source:bbc