AN ACT government freeze on public transport will spare commuters travelling during peak times an increased fee hike of about $1.60 a week. 

A fare hike, initially planned for tomorrow (June 1) would have put the cost to $33.50. Instead, weekly travel during peak times will cost an adult commuter, who uses a MyWay card and makes two journeys a day on weekdays, an unchanged average of $32.20 per week.

The government’s announcement to freeze fares is in response to the financial stress of COVID-19.

But, at the same time, Transport Minister Chris Steel continues to advise people against using public transport during peak times.

The off-peak commuter – that’s a traveller who pays adult fares, uses a MyWay, and makes two journeys each weekday during off-peak times – will continue to pay about $25.50 a week, avoiding a $1.30 a week rise in fares.

An average school student is spared about 60c each week, during the fare freeze period. They will continue to pay a weekly fare of about $12.20.