Labor pledges to cap public transport at $30 per week, $15 concession

October 19, 2026 — 5:00am Labor will cap public transport fares at $30 per week for the next two years if they remain in power as cost-of-living policies continue to dominate the state election. The cap also includes a $15 cap for concession-card holders and the retention of current benefits like free public transport for kids and free weekend travel for seniors.

Labor has pledged to cap public transport at $30 per week for full-fare users. Paul Rovere The public transport cap is in addition to Labor’s pledge of a $30 per week cap on road tolls which was announced on Sunday and, according to Labor, could save regular toll road users as much as $5000 per year.

The toll road cap is scheduled to run only throughout 2027 and is available to people and small businesses with cars, motorbikes or light commercial vehicles including utes or vans under 4.5 tonnes. The road toll cap is applied for individual cars, and small businesses can claim the rebate for up to five vehicles.

The two-year public transport cap will cost $206 million and isn’t sustainable long-term, according to Labor, who said it would cover the cost by making common-sense decisions to reduce spending in other areas. Labor continues to face an uphill battle to be re-elected at the state election on November 28, although the polls remain tight.

Premier Ben Carroll claims a daily commuter would save around $27 per week, which is almost half the cost of the full fare per week and equals about $1400 saved each year. Carroll added that families who used tolls and/or public transport to get to work and school could save around $8000 per year from the caps and free public transport for kids.

“This is real cost-of-living relief that helps a regular commuter save $1400 a year,” Carroll said. “Everyone can benefit, but full-time workers will benefit most ... Car, ute or van, train, tram or bus – $30 a week, only under Labor.” Public Transport Minister Vicki Ward praised the move.

“Labor’s $30 fare cap gives you more options to leave the car at home,” Ward said. “Free PT for kids is here to stay as well, saving parents thousands.” Labor candidate for Ringwood Rachel Halse also supports the policy: “This is real cost-of-living relief for working people, only under Labor.” As announced over the weekend, Labor will also pledge to change laws requiring toll operators to send a paper bill in the mail if a motorist drives through a toll point without an e-tag, which incurs a $16 administration fee.

Premier Ben Carroll said the fare cap proposal was a real cost-of-living relief measure. Simon Schluter Transurban operates two of the state’s major toll roads. The prospect of both major parties offering rebates will likely be a boon to the toll-road giant, incentivising drivers to use their motorways.

Labor’s policy is similar to the Coalition’s $50 toll pledge , with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson promising a review of tolling arrangements that includes the use of paper bills and administration fees. It’s not yet known if the Coalition will match Labor’s public transport cap, considering it has already faced questions around how it will make the budget cuts it has planned and also pay for the policies already announced.

Labor announced its “common-sense” cost savings earlier in the year. With Kieran Rooney Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter .

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