Thousands of students will be able to travel via bus or ferry for half the price, with the 2025-26 Budget set to provide more than $550 million in cost-of-living relief measures.

Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said the Budget continues to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and delivers on the things that matter.

“Our popular half-price bus fares are continuing for students and on regional routes through the 2025-26 Budget for a further 12 months,” Minister Abetz said.

“A good education sets our young Tasmanians on a pathway to success – but it’s no use if they can’t get there. This initiative will ensure students can get to their place of education via public transport for half the price.

“Tasmanians living in rural and regional areas who rely on buses will also benefit from the extension of half price bus fares – this means medical appointments, employment, education and opportunity are more accessible.

“Regional routes are longer, because of this they’re more expensive. During the current period of half-price bus fares, we saw increases in passengers on these routes due to the significant savings that can be made.

“It has made a real impact – for example if you’re coming into Hobart from Huonville normally this would cost $17.60 return. Under our half price fares policy, this reduces to $8.80 return, which is comparable to urban routes at the normal fare rate.

“Continuation of half price fares for regional travellers will also help with reducing congestion bringing with it benefits for the whole community.

“This initiative is designed to ease the cost of living pressures on Tasmanians, and make life that little bit more affordable.

The 2025-26 is a Budget that gets the balance right and continues to address the key concerns in the community: cost of living, health and housing.