All public transport in Australia would be just 50c a ride under a plan the Greens will announce on Friday.
Greens leader will officially announce the $8.1 billion plan in Melbourne to mount pressure on major parties to implement more ambitious cost of living policies.
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Under the plan, the $8.1 billion would be split among states and territories over the next four years to fully fund 50c public transport.
An additional $250 million would be allocated for “smart ticketing” systems to be installed so passengers could use phones, credit, or debit cards instead of ticketing systems like Victoria’s Myki.
“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result,” Mr Bandt said.
“This election will be the most important in a generation. By electing more Greens we can keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act on the cost-of-living crisis.”
The Greens believe if adopted nationwide, households could save thousands of dollars a year.
Its analysis found a full-time Melbourne worker would save $2400, in Sydney, $2160, in Perth, $2006, and in Adelaide, $1872.
In Queensland, 50c fares have already been adopted, following a trial that began in August.
“Queensland’s recent shift to 50c fares has been proven to be a huge success,” Greens spokesperson Elizabeth Watson-Brown said.
“It has reduced traffic and emissions, massively increased ridership on public transport, and saved Queenslanders millions.”
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