Victoria and Tasmania get free public transport in fuel crisis but NSW and WA to keep collecting fares

<p>Allan government says measure is temporary as energy shock from Middle East conflict sees petrol prices soar</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Public transport will be free in Victoria for a month&nbsp;and in Tasmania until July, in an effort to encourage people to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/28/the-cost-of-fuel-for-australians-who-can-its-time-to-embrace-green-transport">switch from driving</a>&nbsp;and to alleviate the surge in fuel demand.</p><p>However, the NSW and Western Australian governments will not follow suit, with NSW’s transport minister saying it needs to “keep our powder dry” to deal with a crisis that may last much longer than a month.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/29/victoria-free-public-transport-april-petrol-prices">Continue reading...</a>