2016-02-15
Greens call on free public transport for school children
The Victorian Greens have called for the state government to consider introducing free travel for school children on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses.
“We know that many children, even secondary children, are being driven to and from school every day, when they could walk, ride or use public transport,” Ms Pennicuik said.
“Making public transport free for school children would encourage its use and result in more active and independent children.
“Everyone notices the difference on the roads during school holidays, indicating that a proportion of peak hour traffic can be attributable to the daily school run.
“Free public transport for school children would be a huge help to household budgets, especially for low income families.
“There are many benefits to more school children using public transport, including more active and independent children, lower costs for families and building familiarity with the public transport system.
“A semi free system exists in NSW and it has also been raised in SA by the Greens,” Victorian Greens Education spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik said today.
For further comment - Sue Pennicuik: 03 9530 8399