As petrol prices surge past $3 a litre in New South Wales, the NSW Liberals and Nationals have called on the Minns Labor Government to give families a break this Easter by providing free public transport over the long weekend.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said skyrocketing fuel costs are putting a strain on household budgets, forcing families to rethink their Easter plans. “This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure. Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families’ pockets when they need it most,” Ms Sloane said.
Regional families stand to benefit as well. Gurmesh Singh, Leader of the NSW Nationals and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, emphasised that XPT and Trainlink coaches should be included. “For families in regional NSW, the Easter long weekend often means a long drive, and now, an expensive one. Free travel on XPT and Trainlink coaches gives regional families a real alternative,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Natalie Ward, highlighted that NSW has a world-class public transport network, and offering fare-free travel encourages families to explore the state while easing budget pressures.
During a live interview on 2GB, Kellie Sloane further explained that the free travel would be available from Good Friday to Easter Monday, giving families flexibility to make short trips or longer journeys while supporting local communities. She also pointed to previous fare-free initiatives, noting the economic benefits and increased foot traffic for local businesses.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolau echoed these benefits, stating, “More people using public transport means more foot traffic and greater spending across our retail outlets, pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, arts, and entertainment venues, at a time when many businesses need it most.”
Ms Sloane added that the proposal is not only a practical relief measure but also a sensible way to manage fuel supply shortages. She indicated that a 24-hour fuel price cap could be implemented alongside fare-free travel to give households certainty amid supply issues affecting over 100 petrol stations across the state.
The proposal reflects the Coalition’s focus on cost-of-living pressures, particularly during peak travel periods like Easter, and encourages collaboration with the Labor Government to support NSW families in a time of economic stress.
