Cap on fares will encourage more people to use trains, buses and ferries

Kristina Keneally’s pledge to cap increases to public transport fares will encourage more people to use public transport, especially as the cost of petrol becomes more and more expensive for commuters.

The onus is now on the other political parties to match this commitment.

NSW commuters are extremely concerned about value-for-money on public transport.  In fact, the RTBU’s Ultimate Transport Survey found that ‘cheaper fares’ was the second-most wanted improvement to public transport, behind only ‘more frequent services’

Equally, commuters are confused when fares are frozen one year, only to be drastically hiked up in subsequent years to make up lost ground.

With cost of living pressures growing on NSW families, however, containing the cost of public transport will certainly help people to manage their household budget.

Modest fare increases in line with inflation are easy to explain, easy to understand, and easy on the wallet.

As petrol costs rise, public transport will become increasingly cost effective when compared to private vehicles.

Simple economics will mean that more people will choose to travel by public transport in the future.  This means that future governments will need to invest heavily in public transport infrastructure and services to meet demand.

Plans for rail extensions, bus lanes and new services cannot be delayed any longer.

Public transport workers should also be guaranteed pay rises that at least meet the increasing costs of living, along with increases to reflect more efficient work practices.

The success of the public transport system relies on the hard work and commitment of the people who run it.

Increased fare revenue should be used to contribute to fair pay for public transport workers, and to employ more front-line staff across the network.