Public transport in two Australian states will be made free to incentivise people not to drive as fuel prices soar due to the war in the Middle East.
Victoria, home to Melbourne, has said it will have free travel throughout April, while Tasmania has stated commuters will not need to pay from Monday until the end of June.
However, other state governments have thus far declined to follow suit, with New South Wales indicating it is reserving funds to meet increased demand for public transport.
Australia is among several nations experiencing sharp fuel price increases since the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Saturday that trains, trams, and buses in the state would be free for all from Tuesday in a bid to alleviate pressure on petrol stations. She said, This won't solve every problem, but it's an immediate step to help Victorians right now.
The Tasmanian government also emphasized the impact of rising fuel costs on family budgets and announced free travel for various transport modes for the coming months. This includes school bus services, providing significant savings for families.
As fuel prices rise to an average of A$2.38 a litre, state governments are exploring various measures to mitigate the financial impact on residents, while other regions grapple with similar issues stemming from global fuel supply disruptions.
