Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Report in Melbourne calls for free public transport for school students

Star Weekly: "Many can’t afford to pay for Myki, it said.

It revealed some students spent money normally reserved for school textbooks on fines, describing the application process for a secondary student concession card as a “complex process” and “long winded”.

The report called for free public transport for all students, for schools and institutions to hand out free Myki travel cards to students and for the cancellation of all outstanding Myki fines incurred by people under the age of 18."


Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Billions spent on auto-infrastructure, poor people just get fines

ABC News : "Professor Nelthorpe said in one case, a 14-year-old turned up to school two months late after he had several thousand dollars in public transport fines.

"His parents required him to go to work for a period of time to pay off fines," he said.

The report said another 16-year-old student, whose parents were not eligible for Centrelink benefits due to visa restrictions, missed school after he was issued fines up to $2,000.

This student worked as a labourer to pay off the penalties.

Professor Nelthorpe said the system was causing students stress.

"You've got a whole lot of students wandering around who are too scared to tell their parents their teachers and their support people that they've incurred these fines," he said.

"It must put incredible pressure on them.""

Friday, March 11, 2016

Eligible commuters to enjoy tax-free bus travel under new scheme

brisbanetimes : "In the Australian first, eligible users, including public servants, will be able to use their pre-taxed income on their TransLink smart card to travel to and from work.

RemServe estimates that those who earn $70,000 and take 10 trips a week across four zones could save just under $1500 a year under the plan, while inner-city workers travelling two zones earning $65,000 could save $1100."

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Writer calls for free buses in Hobart

The Mercury: "Free city bus transport will lure commuters out of cars. It could be more attractive with free parking at bus exchange stations outside the city."