The Tasmanian Liberals are banking on cheaper bus fares to keep the state connected and relieve pressure on stretched household budgets. If re-elected, they plan to extend the current half-price fare scheme for another 12 months, covering urban, regional and rural passengers, along with those using the Derwent River ferry, through to 30 June 2026.
Transport Minister Eric Abetz says the policy is working. “We recognise that many Tasmanians are doing it tough, which is why we’re making it more affordable to get to work, school, appointments, or just get out and about,” he said.
The numbers back him. According to the Minister, nearly 5.8 million discounted trips have been taken on Metro Tasmania services, student transport routes and the Derwent Ferry in less than a year. The initiative, originally introduced as a short-term relief measure, has led to a clear spike in ridership, especially in regional areas. Some routes have seen up to 18 per cent growth in passenger numbers.
For a daily commuter, the savings are easy to grasp. A return trip from Huonville to Hobart now costs $8.80, instead of the usual $17.60. In the North West, a Smithton to Burnie return fare drops from $32 to $16. And in the North, Scottsdale to Launceston now costs $11.40 return, down from $22.80.
Abetz framed the fare extension as part of a broader Liberal strategy to offer practical relief rather than promises. “While Labor and the Greens argue, we’ve been delivering better healthcare, more housing, and responsible cost-of-living relief,” he said. “This election comes down to one choice: a strong Liberal team with a real plan or another merry-go-round of chaos and compromise.”
The Greens have countered that more affordable fares are welcome but should be part of a wider rethink of the state’s public transport model—especially in regional Tasmania where services are limited or infrequent. They’ve proposed major investments in electric buses, rural connections and timetable upgrades. Labor, meanwhile, has flagged a broader “accessibility-first” transport policy, with an emphasis on expanding coverage for seniors, students and people with disabilities—though details remain sparse.
While all three parties agree on the need for cheaper, cleaner and more reliable public transport, they remain divided on how to deliver it. The Liberals are leaning on fiscal discipline and short-term savings for households. Labor is focused on equity and access. The Greens want a transport overhaul with climate in mind.
What’s clear is that public transport is no longer a fringe issue in Tasmanian politics. Rising fuel prices, patchy infrastructure, and the cost-of-living crunch have pushed it to the centre of the campaign. Cheaper fares are welcome. But questions remain about whether temporary discounts can solve a long-term service problem.
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