Question - Metro Bus Fares - Consideration of subsidies

Thursday 19 March 2026

Metro Bus Fares - Consideration of Subsidies

Ms ARMITAGE question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCTURE and TRANSPORT, Mr VINCENT

[2.51 p.m.]

Thank you, Madam Deputy Chair. Given the pending fuel crisis, is any consideration being given to either free or subsidised Metro bus fares? If it has, can you give me an indication of when there might be a decision made?

ANSWER

Thank you, Madam Deputy President. We've had half-price bus fares for quite some time now, which are still running at the moment, and it's been interesting to look at the numbers and the increase in public transport use. The increase in metro areas was of a very small percentage increase. It was larger from areas like Huonville, and from the East Coast, going towards Hobart, and there was also a greater increase between Launceston and Hobart, so very moderately successful at half price. But in the discussions-

Ms Armitage - Different situation now.

Mr VINCENT - Yes, it's a totally different situation now, and we can only hope that this present worldwide situation might drive a different mentality towards public transport and increase its use. All things are under consideration at the moment. We are looking at that and other measures as part of the budgetary process. I could not give you an exact timeframe when that's going to come through, but the Attorney-General and the Premier are in constant contact nationally regarding the fuel shortage. I believe the Prime Minister is in Tasmania today and discussing it also. As soon as I have more information, I'm happy to bring it back, but I couldn't give you an exact timeline on that at the moment as to when that will be fully considered.