(12 Apr 2018, 7:17 pm)Jamie M wrote I think it's a silly way of using the money. Maybe using it to subsidize fairs or investments, but cutting money out of the system completely seems... a waste of time and spending. Why not just carry on with their plans to reuse VED and continue to charge people for the service, even if at a subsided rate?? More money to re-invest...
I'm also more concerned about public health and public education and public safety (police & CSOs) than I am about public transport subsiding also, and they definitely should be dead-center of attention for an opposition, it's an open goal. I think it's just politicians trying to appease the common people rather than making a serious pledge, at least I'd hope so in this case.
I can't say I've noticed a populist clamour for such a policy?
Young people aren't entitled to things like the full minimum wage so spend proportionately more of their lower income on travel. Plus, if they have free travel then they'll be less inclined to have their own car, thus easing congestion and relieving air quality. Surely that's a good thing?