Public transport use and pricing
Extending Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone and Dynamic Pricing Models to encourage people to leave their cars at home and use public transport.
I brought this inquiry to the legislative council in June 2019 because I believe it is a step toward changing the way people choose to get around this great city of ours.
Considering dynamic pricing options for Melbourne’s public transport network and how to encourage more use of the network, especially among young people, is a key part of this inquiry.
As our city grows beyond 5 million citizens it is time we break the culture of using cars to get everywhere in Melbourne, especially when accessing services and events in the centre of the city.
Making it free for students will help us build a new mindset about public transport use from a young age and set good habits in place. Likewise, our seniors, who face increasingly high costs of living, should be rewarded for a lifetime of contribution to our communities. Free transport for seniors would encourage their ongoing and active participation in their communities and in the wider Melbourne community that may otherwise not happen due to financial constraints and distance.
Making transport to our universities, hospitals, major attractions and sporting precincts free at all times would make our public transport network the obvious and best option for all who move around Melbourne.
Extend the Free Tram Zone
In June Rod presented a motion to the legislative council for an inquiry to extend the free tram zone in Melbourne to take in Melbourne University, the hospi…
7 News 05 06 19 – Extending the Free Tram Zone
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FAQ
Inner city trams are crowded. The entire public transport network is overcrowded. The supply of suitable trains and trams and the frequency of these services needs to be reviewed across the network to meet current and future demand. But overcrowding is not a reason to discourage use of public transport – the city needs it and our environment needs it.
I believe in public transport and will do my best to find ways to get even more people to use it. We need to get out of the mindset that cars are the way we travel in big cities like Melbourne.
For many low income students and families the cost of public transport isn’t an option. Yet they still need to get to school and university. Conflict with inspectors, unpaid fines and the resulting debt collection and credit damage can be avoided. Using public transport shouldn’t be stressful just because you can’t afford it.
It means less money for the network operator Metro Trains. The cost of new trains, rail maintenance and network extensions are all met by the State Government.
Inquiry report due:
Latest News – Free Tram Zone Extension Inquiry
Barton hits back at free tram critics
“Frustrations over the limitations of the existing services should not prevent the committee considering the wider picture and the social and economic benefits of extending the free tram zone to encapsulate more of our vibrant and dynamic city,” Mr Barton said.
Free public transport for seniors
Rod spoke to 3AW’s Neil Mitchel last week about why public transport should be free for seniors and students.
MEMBERS – Free tram services
The inquiry to extend the free tram zone is generating much debate, but students and seniors are getting behind my motion to get people out of cars and onto public transport.