This week, members of the South Australian Student Representative Council (SA SRC) launched their Free Fares for Our Future Campaign, calling on the South Australian Government to remove public transport fares for all students.
The SA SRC is pushing for the change to reduce inequality and the likelihood of fines, and to ease pressure on young people who may already be experiencing financial stress.
SRC member, Bodhi Wait, says, “For many young people, public transport is not just a means of getting from point A to point B – it connects individuals and communities. Public transport is crucial for me to visit my grandparents in their retirement village, access the city, and participate in extracurricular activities.”
This position is supported by the South Australian Commissioner for Children and Young People, Helen Connolly, who has looked extensively into the impacts of fares and fines on young people, particularly those who are already in financial stress.
As outlined in the Commissioner’s Safe and Sound report released earlier this month, young people rely heavily upon access to public transport, with 1 in 5 patrons being either a primary or secondary school student.
One of the key recommendations made in the report is to reduce the cost barrier of transport, particularly for low-income families. “Young people from low income families who already have a School Card would benefit significantly from access to free public transport,” said Commissioner Connolly.
“This group of young people rely on public transport to get them to and from school, work and other commitments. Free public transport would remove the barrier to their participation in the activities they enjoy outside of school too, which they often have to forego because they cannot afford the transport costs involved.”
The campaign is being supported by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA). FYA’s SA SRC Program Coordinator, Maddie Diamond, said, “Young people are informed and care deeply about the issues that affect them. Spearheading this campaign shows decision-makers they have ideas and solutions for better public transport, and want their voices to be heard.”
All South Australians, no matter their age, are encouraged to sign the petition and take action to make public transport more equitable.
Additional quotes attributable to those listed
Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People
“Young South Australians are heavily reliant upon public transport. When transport is lacking, unreliable, unsafe or unaffordable this impacts disproportionately on the quality of their lives, affecting their mobility and overall social inclusion and wellbeing. Free public transport would remove barriers to participation and alleviate the financial pressure many young people and their families are currently experiencing.”
Chelsea, SRC Member
“Free and consistent transport for young people enables us to socialise and be independent from an earlier age. I have been taking public transport for 7 years due to my parents working full time and it has taught me so many life skills such as navigation, problem solving and organisation. These skills are essential for young people and should not be locked behind a financial barrier.”
Willow, SRC Member
“My parents have always expected me to get myself to school, considering they’re busy people leading busy lives and it has suited me just fine. However, I only have to go short distances, always have money on my card and at the end of the day my parents could always take me. That is not the universal experience across Adelaide, and there are many young people that rely wholly on public transport to conduct their very lives, and struggle because of the cost. Transport should be a right for all those who can’t get from A to B in any other way. I ask you, how can we support a transport system that fails to support all of us?
Free Fares for Our Future Petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/free-fares-for-our-future