Immunity from Liability for Non-Payment of Fares on Public Transport
Passenger Transport (Free Public Transport) Amendment Bill 2026
Private Member's Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Passengers on regular trains, trams, and service-contract buses no longer face criminal or civil liability for not paying fares.
Operators of these transport services must provide rides at no cost; this overrides any existing fare rates.
The Minister must take necessary steps to ensure these services are free.
Operators who charge fares can face disciplinary action.
Operators cannot claim compensation for losses caused by providing free services.
The Minister can pay operators for reasonable costs or losses incurred by providing free services.
These free travel rules expire after 6 months unless a proclamation extends them.