School children across the Illawarra will have the choice of free travel on public transport for the first time under a new NSW Labor Fair Fares policy announced today.
Official department forecasts obtained under freedom of information laws reveal that the Berejiklian Government is set to charge children $44 million in transport fares in 2019-20 across New South Wales.
NSW Labor’s Fair Fares policy will scrap all charges for children under 16 years of age or whilst they remain in school.
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.
NSW Labor’s Fair Fares policy recognises these restrictive and arbitrary conditions make it harder for families, or those participating in after school or weekend sport.
Comments attributable to Ryan Park MP:
“Gladys Berejiklian is clueless when it comes to the pressure on the cost of living and that’s why she would never come up with a policy like this.
“Families need governments to be on their side and give them a helping hand when the financial pressure is on the household budget.
“NSW Labor is sending a clear message: we’re on the side of families.”
Comments attributable to Anna Watson MP
“I am constantly approached by mums and dads who have been told by this Government that their child isn’t eligible for free school transport.
“Today’s announcement shows that Labor cares about the hip pockets of mums and dads that are already doing it tough across the Shellharbour electorate.
“Labor cares about families. We can see that the current system isn’t working and we have a clear plan to fix it.”
Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:
“Labor’s Fair Fares policy will be welcomed by thousands of families across the Illawarra and Wollongong.
“Current rules on school fares are restrictive and arbitrary and families have to fight for reviews with Transport for NSW if they live just a few metres outside the 2.3 kms radius for free transport.
“I have been approached by many parents to come up with a more sensible approach for school kids transport and this is it – clear, simple rules that will also help take pressure off the family budget”
