Greens - Free public transport for students and under 21s

[ozbob]

Radio reports of a Greens policy that is about free public transport for students and under 21s.

Developing story.

Initial reaction is that too targeted and discriminatory. But still to see policy. 

I think free public transport for people on Centre Link going to job interviews etc. would be of benefit.  Can see some merit for free transport for Seniors on Sundays.

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Greens promise free public transport for under-21s

Greens promise free public transport for under-21s
Article from: The Courier-Mail

Ursula Heger

February 25, 2009 11:00pm

THE Greens have made a $40 million a year bid for the youth vote, promising free public transport for everyone aged under 21 in Queensland.

Indooroopilly MP Ronan Lee announced at the University of Queensland yesterday, that the Greens would insist on its introduction if they held the balance of power in the Queensland Parliament after March 21.

"We have a real problem in Brisbane with traffic congestion and this is part of the solution," he said.

"I want to see young people encouraged to use public transport and this is a great way to do that, but I also want to see young people rewarded for using public transport because they are doing the community a favour.

"There is a long-term gain of lower congestion, less pollution, and far less pressure to build new roads."

Under the plan, young people would be given an "Easi Card" for use on Go Card infrastructure - at an annual cost of $40 million.

Last year the LNP said it would introduce free public transport for commuters riding to the city from 6am to 7am and 6pm to 7pm if they won the next election.

At the time the cost of the free public transport policy was estimated at $33.7 million.

Labor has promised Brisbane commuters two underground rail lines with the potential for new railway stations at Spring Hill, Newstead and Woolloongabba, and a second city station near the Botanic Gardens.

Commuter advocacy group Rail Back on Track spokesman Robert Dow said the Greens scheme would not be viable and should be refined. "Students currently get concessions travel at the moment and in some states the elderly are given free travel on weekends," he said.

[ozbob]

No update on the Greens web site http://qld.greens.org.au/election  of this policy announcement as yet.

[ButFli]

Why does it cost $40 million to implement the "Easi Card"? Surely you could just issue a different type of Go Card that had $0 fares or a regular Go Card with an infinite balance.

Furthermore, if they are serious about reducing congestion why don't they just make public transport free? Why limit it to young people?

[brismike]

Because the $40 million is what would be lost in fares by making it free. You and I have to pay for that somehow, most likely in increased fares. Therefore i'm not in favour of it. Why should I subsidise freebies when they already get concession fares?

[Derwan]

Why do they need an "Easi Card" in the first place?  If all under-21's are able to travel free, all they need is ID!   What about out-of-towners who want to travel for free when they visit? 

_{(Granted it would be easier to get through the fare gates in the city with a card.)}

The idea has merit.  If you get younger people in a culture of travelling on public transport, they are more likely to use public transport as they get older.  This would in turn increase patronage (and therefore revenue) in the future.

The big problem is that it would increase patronage now - when services do not have the capacity.  We're still playing catch-up and until the issue of capacity is resolved, such a scheme will only harm the general view of public transport.

[Otto]

The big problem is that it would increase patronage now - when services do not have the capacity.  We're still playing catch-up and until the issue of capacity is resolved, such a scheme will only harm the general view of public transport.

Exactly !! That seems to be what is forgotton when suggesting free transport.. Brisbane does not have enough buses or trains to implement free travel.

[mufreight]

The big problem is that most love the FREE bit but not when they get the inevitable bill to pay for it.
Free rail travel for commuters means higher freight costs, higher taxes and or less services in other areas.

[SteelPan]

As others have said, there is NO free public transport - the taxpayer foots the bill one way or another.
I believe a system of those out of the workforce, studying etc receiving some level of concession is reasonable.

Let's not let pollies sidetrack us with their easy and cheap "free" transport offers - let's commit to the would be premier who with Iron-Clad Public Gaurantees - set the course to putting RAIL first in this state!

[ButFli]

As others have said, there is NO free public transport - the taxpayer foots the bill one way or another.

There is no free transport. Private transport uses government funded roads. Why should the tax payer spend billions of dollars digging road tunnels instead of spending some of it on "free" public transport.

By your argument we shouldn't have "free" hospitals or "free" education because someone has to pay in one way or another.