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What’s changing?

From 1 June 2024 to 30 June 2025, public transport bus and ferry fares will be halved. This reduction applies to all public buses and fare-paying school buses, as well as the River Derwent ferry service. It applies to every fare type (non-urban, urban, concession and child/student fares).

Are other transport fares going to be halved?

No, fares for ridesharing, taxi, private bus services provided by schools, Skybus and the Bruny Island Ferry are not included.

Why are fares being halved?

The Tasmanian Government is halving fares to deliver cost of living relief for Tasmanians, reduce congestion and encourage first time public transport users.

Do I need to do anything to receive half price fares?

No, you do not need to do anything different when you pay for your public transport. Your fare will be automatically halved when you pay.

Can I still use my Greencard/Transportme card?

Yes, Greencard/Transportme cards will automatically update to charge half price fares during the relevant period. Passengers should tap on as normal when they board.

What are the new fares for adult or adult concession passengers?

The Fare Finder (https://farefinder.transport.tas.gov.au/) is available to allow passengers to calculate their new fare for all adult and adult concession tickets.

What are the new fares for child/student passengers?

For students travelling on public buses, fare-paying school buses and ferries, the full student fare will be reduced from $2.00 to $1.00.

Students will also continue to receive a 20% discount when using a smartcard or purchasing a 10-trip ticket. This reduces the smartcard fare from $1.60 to $0.80 per trip and the cost of a 10-trip ticket from $16.00 to $8.00.

Are there any changes to free travel or concession fare eligibilities?

There are no changes to free travel or concession fare eligibilities.

What happens with 10-trip school bus tickets purchased before 1 June 2024?

10-trip bus tickets purchased before the half price fare period are still valid after June 1, and can be used at any time during the half price fare period.

After June 1, 10-trip bus tickets will be half price, so please consider this when purchasing bus tickets in the lead up to half price fare period. Refunds will not be available for passengers who pre-purchase 10-trip tickets at the higher rate and redeem them after 1 June 2024 when half-price fares are in effect.

Will public transport be busier during the half price fare period?

One of the aims of the half price fare period is increasing first time public transport users. This may mean that buses and ferries will be busier, particularly during peak times. The Department of State Growth will work closely with operators to monitor capacity on public transport services. If you’re new to public transport and want to give it a try, consider traveling on a weekend.

Will there be more ferries and buses scheduled during the half price fare period?

Services will continue to operate according to their current routes and timetable for the duration of the half price fare period. The Department of State Growth will work closely with operators to monitor capacity on public transport services. If you’re new to public transport and want to give it a try, consider traveling on a weekend.

There is no bus or ferry where I live, how do half price fares help me?

To maximise services with a finite public transport budget, the bus network has been designed to benefit the greatest number of people as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, that means that some locations in Tasmania are without public transport. The Department of State Growth continually reviews areas of growth and works with bus operators to monitor public transport demand.

Why isn’t public transport free?

Bus fares are heavily subsidised by the Tasmanian Government, with fares covering only a small part of the cost of providing the bus service. Fare revenue represents an important contribution to the cost of providing those bus services, as all bus fare revenue is reinvested in service delivery.

To provide a sustainable, low cost and equitable bus network, it is important that passengers contribute to the cost of their travel. To remove fares would reduce the funding available for other infrastructure and transport services. As a result, it would be necessary to make the difficult decision to divert funds from another government program or service to allow for free public transport or reduce the public transport network.

Incentive programs like half price fares can help to raise awareness of services and form part of a longer-term approach to working towards more people using public transport.

Why are fares only being halved for until 30 June 2025?

Incentive programs like half price fares can help to raise awareness of services and form part of a longer-term approach working towards increasing public transport usage.

Extending the half price fare period would reduce the funding available for other infrastructure and transport services. As a result, it would be necessary to make the difficult decision to divert funds from another government program or service or reduce the public transport network to allow the initiative to continue.

What is being done to increase the reliability of public transport?

In 2023, Metro experienced driver shortages in Hobart. As a result, Metro made the decision to introduce a temporary suspension of some bus services. As part of an $8.1 million support package announced by the Tasmanian Government, $6.1m was allocated to Metro Tasmania to improve driver wages, safety and rosters. This is expected to improve recruitment and retention of drivers, in order to deliver reliable services.

What is being done to address anti-social behaviour on public transport?

The safety of passengers and public transport staff is a key priority for the Tasmanian Government.

The Tasmanian Government is piloting transit officers in the south of the state and has committed to deploy transit officers statewide. A public notification line is also being developed to allow the department to identify ‘hot spots’ to assist in targeting resources.

Why doesn’t the half price fare period apply to the Bruny Island Ferry?

The Bruny Island Ferry is mostly used by vehicles and does not form part of Tasmania's public transport network. It has the specific purpose of transporting vehicles and pedestrians between Bruny Island and the Tasmanian mainland, rather than catering to the general public's commuting needs. The cost involved in transporting vehicles and goods via ferry means the service would not be viable if half price fares were offered. Pedestrians and passengers in vehicles already travel on the Bruny Island ferry for free.

Where can I find more information?

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