Australia Makes Public Transport Free Due to High Fuel Prices

Two Australian states are making public transport free to encourage people not to drive due to skyrocketing fuel prices resulting from the war in the Middle East. Citing the BBC, the state of Victoria has announced free public transport throughout April, while Tasmania has said commuters do not need to pay until the end of June. Other state governments have so far rejected following suit. This comes after the federal government announced it would halve the national fuel tax for three months to ease the financial burden on drivers. Australia is among several countries experiencing fuel price hikes since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade of international shipping in the vital Hormuz route has prompted governments worldwide to begin implementing fuel-saving measures. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously sought to calm the public after panic buying incidents left several petrol stations out of stock. The Australian government said the fuel sales tax would be reduced by 26.3 cents per litre for petrol and diesel, expected to save drivers around A$10 to A$20 per tank. The Victoria government, led by Jacinta Allan, announced on Saturday that trains, trams, and buses in the state would be free for everyone in an effort to reduce pressure on fuel. “This policy will not solve all problems, but it is an immediate step to help Victorians right now,” she said. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian government—an island off mainland Australia—announced that people could use buses, trains, and ferries without charge for the coming months. “We know the fuel price increase impacts family budgets, and that’s why we are once again taking bold and decisive action to protect Tasmanians,” said Jeremy Rockliff.