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."

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."

Greens MLC Mark Parnell calls for public transport to be free for school students

AdelaideNow : "SOUTH Australian school children should be allowed to travel on public transport for free, the Greens say.

As most students return for the start of the school year on Monday, Greens MLC Mark Parnell says the move would encourage good environmental behaviour at an early age and save families money.

“Far too many kids these days are unnecessarily being driven to and from school instead of walking, riding or catching public transport,” Mr Parnell said."

Melbourne spends 9 billion a year on congestion. Make buses fare free!

Call for school students to get free public transport: "A recent audit by Infrastructure Australia warned the cost of delays on Melbourne's major roads as a result of congestion will triple to more than $9 billion a year by 2031.

"We know that many children, even secondary children, are being driven to and from school every day, when they could walk, ride or use public transport," Ms Pennicuik said."

Tate promises free off-peak travel for seniors

brisbanetimes : "Gold Coast seniors would receive free travel on public transport outside peak hours for four years if Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate is re-elected on March 19."

Qld’s free Friday PT idea

busnews: ""I’m confident fare free Friday will encourage residents from right across Brisbane to leave the car at home, save money and help drive the public transport culture our city needs for the future.""

Greens MP calls for free public transport for Adelaide school kids

9news.com.au: "A great way to encourage more parents to allow their kids to take a bus, tram or train on school days is to make it free.

“Parents will welcome the savings, and they’ll also welcome their children becoming more active.”

Mr Parnell believes free travel would reduce traffic congestion, improve activeness and independence among children and lower the cost of living for participating families."

Greens promise free Brisbane bus travel for pensioners and seniors

brisbanetimes : "Seniors and pensioners would be able to travel free on off-peak Brisbane buses under a Greens election pledge announced on Friday."

Free public transport for seniors taking tens of thousands of cars off the roads each week

publicworks : "“Most activities of daily living – such as shopping and paying the bills – are conducted in the local neighbourhood and involve other forms of transport. However, public transport is often used for other life-enriching activities, such as volunteering, or civic and social engagements, going to the movies, visiting friends, or travelling to the city for a day out,” Dr Feist says.

“On average, we found that Seniors Card holders are making more than 150,000 rides on public transport in the Adelaide metropolitan area every week. This represents an extraordinary number of civic, social and community engagement opportunities for older people.

“It means that our public transport system is being well utilised during off-peak periods. It also means that tens of thousands of cars are off the roads each week,” Dr Feist says."

A Better Plan | Rethink the Link

website : "Instead of freeways, governments should be investing in improved and expanded public transport, rail freight and other sustainable and economic freight solutions."