Bus travel must be affordable for those who need it most – Tasmanians on low
incomes.
That’s the view of Anglicare which has submitted a series of recommendations to
the Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator which is investigating Metro’s
pricing policies. Anglicare’s submission was based on research work and interviews
with more than 20 bus-users from Hobart’s northern suburbs.
Anglicare recommended that Metro’s concession bus fares be set at a flat rate
regardless of the time of travel. “An affordable public transport system is
something that thousands of Tasmanians depend upon” said Anglicare CEO Chris
Jones. “For people on tight budgets it is a real lifeline – the way to reach jobs,
training and healthcare”.
Anglicare is concerned at a proposal to introduce distance-based fares for
concession passengers, with incentives for travelling during off-peak times. Dr
Jones said it was incorrect to assume that people on low incomes could fit their
travel into off-peak times. “The timing of their travel is often beyond their control,”
he said. “People are working, volunteering, going to appointments at the hospital
and so on. Some need to be back for school pick-up time in the afternoon”.
Anglicare said the limited number of buses on certain routes also meant people
were being forced to travel in peak periods, even for shorter trips. Its submission
recommended Metro provide express buses in off-peak times to reduce travel
times to and from outlying suburbs.
Anglicare found that people often travelled long distances to attend appointments
in the city. Under the proposed new system this would mean travelling across
multiple zones at an increased cost. “Even a small increase in the cost of bus fares
would cause hardship,” he said. “People can’t afford to pay more”.
Anglicare also called on Metro to simplify the application process for Greencards.
Download:
Submission_to_OTTER_on_Metro_2014.pdf
Bronwen Hayes, Media and Communications Manager, Anglicare
