Nobody Has To Pay for Public Transport, Even The Government (But it Can If It Wants To)
Passenger Transport (Free Public Transport) Amendment Bill 2026
Private Member's BillLegislative Council
House of Assembly
Assent
Introduced by: Robert Simms MLC (GRN)
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 Transport 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 Transport 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.
The Debate
What different members said when this bill was debated:
Robert Simms GRN
“I move: That this bill be now read a second time. The Passenger Transport (Free Public Transport) Bill 2026 will make public transport free across trains, trams and buses for the next six months. This will provide much needed cost-of-living relief to South Australians who are struggling.”