Free fares favour inner cities

A renewed debate over fare-free public transport emerged as governments responded to surging fuel prices, with Victoria and Tasmania introducing temporary free travel measures to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Speaking to The Guardian, Professor Graham Currie of Monash Civil and Environmental Engineering said the policy was “easy to implement” and delivered immediate relief, particularly for existing users.

However, he cautioned the benefits were uneven, warning it could favour “wealthier inner-city residents” while doing little for outer suburban and regional communities. Professor Currie also noted that removing fares did not necessarily reduce car use, with increased patronage often coming from people who would otherwise walk or cycle.

His analysis highlighted a key tension: while fare-free transport could provide short-term relief and boost ridership, it might not reduce congestion or emissions. He suggested that foregone fare revenue could be more effectively invested in expanding and improving services, particularly in underserved areas.

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