…The relatively small difference between Victoria, where public transport was free, and NSW – where fares remained unchanged – suggests price is not the main constraint on mode shift. Access, travel time, service reliability and the ability to make specific trips appear to matter more.
Not surprising. The problem is not the cost, it is the quality of the service/experience. If governments aren’t willing to spend large amounts of money on improving the service/experience, then the public will continue to avoid using public transport. But if the public avoids using public transport, there is no incentive for political parties to take major public transport infrastructure improvements to an election. Basically you need a progressive and proactive government with the political security to take risks and a financial climate that allows for that. With those requirements, you can see why it doesn’t happen.