While some Australian states are offering free and discounted public transport, a majority of Aussies say it’s not enough to make the switch amid the petrol crisis. While some states are offering discounted public transport fares, a new survey has revealed it’s not enough to get Aussie drivers off the road amid the current petrol crisis. As the war in the Middle East continues, various Australian states have introduced lower public transport fares to alleviate travel cost pressures for most Australians.
The Victorian state government announced it will extend free public transport until the end of May 2026, while halving public transport fares until the end of this year. RELATED: Can Australia run out of fuel? Yes – here’s how According to the state government, daily commuters will save more than $850 on average under the temporary travel relief plan.
Tasmania has introduced a similar relief program since March 2026, with more than 5000 residents taking advantage of free public transport in the first week since it was announced. While most commuters would welcome extra cash in their pockets, recent data has revealed that free or cheap mass transit is not enough to sway a majority of Aussie drivers to get off the roads. According to a survey conducted by Melbourne University researchers, which polled close to 2000 Australians across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, 42 per cent of participants said they’ve reduced driving amid the ongoing petrol crisis.
With petrol prices remaining high, a new survey conducted by Melbourne University researchers found that less than 30 per cent of commuters in some states have switched to buses, trains and trams. Despite this, less than 30 per cent of commuters made the switch to public transport in response to the country’s high petrol costs. Of the states analysed in the study, Victoria recorded the highest percentage, with 26 per cent of commuters taking advantage of the state’s free public transport during the current economic pressure.
In New South Wales, close to 24 per cent said they’re using mass transit, such as trains and buses, as an alternative travel option, despite the state not implementing reduced fares. Though the state offers some of the lowest public transport fees at 50c, only 21 per cent of Queensland respondents said they’ve made the switch to public transport during their commute. Additionally, only 15 per cent of Queenslanders said they’ve utilised alternative transport for non-work trips, while 17 per cent of NSW respondents and 19 per cent of Victorians also switched to mass transit for their non-work commutes.
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