School children will be able to enjoy free travel on public transport under a Daley Labor State Government that is focused on putting the family budget first.
Labor’s Fair Fares policy will forego this revenue to abolish all charges for children under 16 years of age or while they remain at school.
This is the first major policy announcement for Mr Daley since being elected as Labor Leader at the weekend and signals his priorities.
Mr Daley recognises that the cost of public transport for children is putting increased pressure on families who are already struggling with higher power bills, tolls and a host of state taxes under the Berejiklian-Barilaro Coalition Government.
A family of four in Gladesville will be able to save up to $11.60 per return bus trip to and from the Sydney CBD because their two children will be exempt from transport fares.
Under the current rules primary school-aged children are eligible for free travel only when travelling to and from school, and if their home is more than 2.3 kilometres away by walking, rising to 2.9 kilometres for secondary school-aged children.
Labor’s Fair Fares policy recognises these restrictive and arbitrary conditions make it harder for children from lower-income families, or those participating in after school or weekend sport.
Free bus, train and Ferry travel will also encourage children to use public transport more and ease congestion on Sydney’s already clogged roads.
The free travel for school children initiative is in addition to Labor’s commitment to refund train fares for passengers for avoidable delays to their journey, and lowering the station access fee for the airport to $5.
Quotes attributable to Andrew Zbik – Labor Candidate for Lane Cove
“A Daley State Labor Government will ease the cost of living for working families across NSW by making public transport free for kids who are either under 16 or if they remain at school.
“NSW Labor will implement free public transport to look after families already struggling with higher tolls and higher power bills because we want to make it easy for children from low income families, and for kids participating in after-school or weekend sport.”
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