The proposal would deliver 50 cent public transport fares for all services and maintain existing free services, by providing funding to state and territory governments for the lost ticket revenue.

A one-off fund of $250 million would also be made available to states and territories to assist them to transition to ‘smart ticketing’. This would allow people to pay for public transport using their credit card or debit card, or their phone.

The policy would be ongoing and start on 1 July 2025.