The NSW Opposition is calling for free public transport over the Easter long weekend, as new data shows rising fuel prices are already changing how Australians plan their holidays.
Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, alongside Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh and Shadow Transport Minister Natalie Ward, says waiving fares would provide immediate cost-of-living relief as petrol prices climb past $3 a litre.
“This will be a hard Easter for many NSW families with fuel costs skyrocketing and already stretched household budgets under more pressure,” Ms Sloane said.
“Free public transport over the long weekend puts money back in families’ pockets when they need it most.”
The call comes as research from Reflections Holidays suggests fuel prices are already reshaping travel behaviour, with almost two-thirds of travellers saying they would holiday closer to home if petrol exceeds $3 a litre.
The survey of almost 9000 members, conducted on March 18, found 62 per cent would change their plans by choosing closer destinations or reducing the number of stops on a road trip. However, fewer than five per cent said they would cancel or delay their travel altogether.
Respondents pointed to shorter trips, fewer destinations and efforts to reduce fuel use, with some indicating they would prioritise fuel access for essential industries.
In response, Reflections has introduced a fuel offset initiative for holidaymakers, offering a $25 credit to guests staying two nights or more across its network of 40 parks.
Chief executive Nick Baker said the move was designed to ease pressure on travellers facing rising costs.
“We are happy to offer this fuel offset voucher to any of our guests who are staying for two nights or more at any of our parks, starting from today until April 30, and this applies to those guests who already have bookings or are considering booking in this period,” he said.
“We hope this credit brings some peace of mind to our guests who have already booked over Easter or are weighing up whether to travel in April, because we know that they – like all of our team – are concerned by the rise in the cost of fuel, alongside general costs in living.”
Mr Baker said the program reflected the scale of the current crisis.
“We are witnessing unique global circumstances which have impacted the travel plans of Australians, and this requires a unique approach from us as an industry leader,” he said.
Despite the pressures, he said demand for holidays remained strong, with many travellers adapting rather than cancelling.
“Family holidays are incredibly important to stay connected with each other and camping is still the most affordable way to get together and relax and get all the benefits of being outdoors and in nature,” he said.
Mr Singh said any free transport plan must include regional services such as XPT trains and Trainlink coaches, given the distances involved.
“For families in regional NSW, the Easter long weekend often means a long drive, and now, an expensive one. Free travel on XPT and Trainlink coaches gives regional families a real alternative,” he said.
Ms Ward said encouraging public transport use would also deliver broader economic benefits.
“We want families getting out and enjoying our great state and this is a practical way to help families do that,” she said.
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