Public Transport

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (14:30): A great question from the opposition. Supplementary: at a time when other states are slashing public transport fares, how can the minister justify South Australians paying some of the highest fares in the nation, particularly given we are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and 50¢ fares would save a family of four up to $3,000 a year?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Minister for Autism) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for his question and ongoing genuine interest in public transport.

Members interjecting:

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: Just last week, actually. We have been able to do targeted reduced fares and we have seen that they are working well. We have seen that students are jumping on and using them with a reduced fare of around 25¢ equivalent to be able to go on public transport. We are seeing that benefit for seniors as well. I am always happy to look at new options, but we also have to make sure that balance is in place in making sure that not only are we getting targeted fares where they are needed most but also making sure that we can invest in the infrastructure.

You can also now do your app; you can just tap and go on your app. That has just been changed. We just did that—I have lost track of time—either at the start of this week or late last week. There has been an update to the app. Previously you could only purchase a single fare on there and not be able to get the 28-day pass. Now you can get those discounted rates because you are able to get the larger pass numbers as well.