Free public transport introduced in Australia to combat rising fuel costs

Public transport fares waived in two Australian states to combat rising fuel costs Petrol prices have soared across Australia and Asia since the start of the Iran war, with 80% of the region's fuel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Sunday 29 March 2026 10:09, UK Why you can trust Sky News Public transport will be made free in two Australian states because of rising petrol shortages due to the Iran war. Commuters in Victoria will be able to travel on trains, trams and buses free of charge for a month starting from 31 March, in a move described as a "temporary measure" to offset rising petrol prices. Meanwhile, in Tasmania fares on buses and ferries have been waived from 30 March to 1 July. Since the outbreak of the Iran war, the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz has been greatly restricted and fuel prices have soared in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Petrol prices in Australia have skyrocketed from an average of $1.70 a litre (£0.88) before to war to about $2.50 a litre at some bowsers, local media reports. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said on Sunday that offering free public transport would make it more affordable for people to choose public transport over driving. "This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living - it will take pressure off the pump and help you save," she said. More on Iran Three Lebanese journalists killed in Israeli airstrike on car Does America think they're fighting a 'holy war' in Iran? The Iranian former commander who could be Trump's pick to negotiate with Related Topics: Iran "This won't solve every problem, but it's an immediate step to help Victorians right now while we keep working on new solutions to make Victoria more affordable." Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the state's residents were increasingly choosing public transport over driving, with a 20% increase seen in the last week. "We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that's why we have again taken strong...