A revolution in the transport economy

Drawing on RACV figures, meanwhile, the PTUA compares the cost of running a used car to that of everyday public transport use: "… even used cars, already fully paid for and ‘running on the smell of an oily rag’ can cost over a thousand dollars more in annual registration and fuel than the most expensive Yearly Metcard." Here "annual running costs" are "$2,918".

In comparison, the PTUA has noted that (in regards to the Victorian example): "Metlink yearly tickets are $1,117 for zone 1, $748 for zone 2, or $1,722 for zones 1+2."

Despite the competitive cost of public transport, though, many still choose to use their cars as a matter of convenience. And also the above figures may appear deceptive if one considers that car transport can be relatively cost-efficient in comparison to public transport in the case of short trips. It is critical that such disincentives to the use of public transport are addressed.

As Royce Millar and Simon Mann have argued:

“Just one in 20 outer Melbournians take public transport to work. In the relatively transport-rich inner city, the figure is one in five. Citywide, just 9% of all trips are taken by bus, train or tram.”

Public transport infrastructure and rolling stock in Australia need to be upgraded to accommodate greater patronage, and to provide excellent and convenient service (including greater frequency) at competitive prices to all citizens.

The PTUA is launching a campaign on improving the regularity of public transport services to provide convenience for consumers. The campaign has been named Every 10 Minutes to Everywhere.

There is a particularly urgent need to expand transport networks into the urban fringe of major cities where services are often especially poor.

Indeed, compared internationally, there is much scope to improve the affordability of public transport in Australia’s cities. The PTUA notes, for instance, that the Canadian city of Vancouver enjoys fares of around half the cost of Melbourne's.

To conclude: the need to revolutionise the transport economy - to invest in public transport and rail freight - is undeniable. So also is the need for root and branch reform of Australian public transport fee structures.

Such are the environmental, equity and fiscal imperatives we face.

Transport from a different perspective: hybrid and electric car technology

Alongside the imperative to revolutionise the provision of public transport, there is the question of hybrid and electric car technology. Environmental and cost of living pressures are bringing to a head the need for such innovation.