To: Jacinta Allan, Gabrielle Williams, Danny Pearson
Fuel Crisis? Make Public Transport Affordable
To the Victorian Government and the Minister for Public Transport:
Australia is facing a fuel crisis driven by global conflict and rising oil prices.
Petrol shortages and price spikes are already impacting households, businesses, and the broader economy.
Experts, unions, and policymakers have called for discounted or free public transport as part of the response.
Affordable public transport would:
- Reduce pressure on fuel supply
- Lower household costs during the crisis
- Reduce congestion and emissions
- Ensure Victoria’s transport system is fully utilised
Victoria has already invested billions in public transport infrastructure.
We call on the Victorian Government to:
- Introduce significantly reduced public transport fares across Victoria
- Explore a flat-fare or capped-fare model similar to Queensland’s 50-cent system
- Treat public transport as essential public infrastructure in times of national emergency
If fuel is scarce, we should prioritise moving people efficiently.
Why is this important?
The war in the Middle East has exposed a hard truth:
Australia is deeply dependent on imported fuel, and when global supply is disrupted, ordinary people pay the price.
Right now:
- Petrol prices are rising rapidly
- Fuel shortages are being reported across multiple states
- The federal government has convened emergency meetings to respond
Experts, unions, and policymakers are already calling for action.
One of the clearest solutions?
Discounted or free public transport to reduce pressure on fuel supply and household costs.
Queensland has already shown what’s possible with 50-cent fares.
Victoria can act too.
We’ve already spent billions building the network, including the Metro Tunnel and new stations across Melbourne.
Now we need to make sure people can afford to use it.
