By Gurbir Singh:
As Aussie feel the pinch due to soaring fuel prices, two Australian states are making public transport free to encourage people to avoid driving, and this move is expected to deliver “real savings.”
All public transport across metropolitan and V/Line services will be free in Victoria, Australia from Tuesday, March 31 until April 30 while the Tasmanian government has also extended this statewide free travel policy from today, March 30 until July 1.
During this temporary free-travel period, the train station ticket barriers in Victoria would remain open so travellers would not need to tap on, or off.
When will NZ govt take any concrete step to help common man from ongoing situation of soaring petrol/ diesel prices? Kiwis pay a petrol excise duty of approx 70.024 cents per litre, when combined with other levies, it comes to nearly $1.20 per litre.
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced the decision in a bid to drive down pressure on petrol pumps. “This won’t solve every problem, but it’s an immediate step to help Victorians right now,” she said.
If people do accidentally tap on, there will be a zero charge coded into the back end of the system. Myki passes will be automatically paused and resume after April.
Tasmania government decision was announced in a joint statement with Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Transport Kerry Vincent said “families are feeling the pinch” and free public transport would deliver “real savings.”
“We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that’s why we have again taken strong and decisive action to protect Tasmanians,” Rockliff said.
With unleaded 91 price of petrol touching $3.42 at some places today in New Zealand, the question being asked is whether our country will also take similar steps to ease the current situation for the public in general?
The extra $50 per week temporary relief package to working families with children does no good to other commuters and with no incentives to use public transport, whether any one will actually switch over from cars? Train and bus fares are unaffordable in most bigger cities, including Hamilton and Auckland and often peak time travel costs more.
Singapore- a country often compared to New Zealand, has more incentives than many other countries to keep public transport affordable. For instance, commuters who exit designated city-area MRT (train) stations before 7:45 am on weekdays enjoy free travel, reducing peak hour concession. Similarly, low income earners get travel vouchers; commuters who travel outside peak hours or use certain routes are rewarded through Travel Smart Journeys rewards program, etc.
India, on the other hand, has slashed excise duties on petrol, diesel to protect consumers and curb a potential spike in inflation.
New Zealanders pay a petrol excise duty of approx 70.024 cents per litre, when combined with ACC levies, monitoring fees and 15% GST, the total tax component comes to nearly $1.20 per litre.
New Zealand has yet to take any positive steps to ease the financial pressure on people as a result of ongoing soaring fuel prices that has a domino effect on all prices, including food. Is any one in government listening?
