English Oral cue cards - Free PTV

Cue Card 1: Introduction

• Imagine being financially penalised simply for travelling to work, education or essential services.

• Public transport is a fundamental necessity, yet accessibility continues to depend on financial circumstances.

• Contention: Fare-free transport would alleviate financial pressures, promote environmental sustainability, reduce congestion and foster social equity.

Cue Card 2: Cost of Living BP1

• Did you know? Victoria's standard daily fare is $11.40. Seems insignificant, doesn't it?

• Yet over five weekdays per week, this accumulates to almost $3,000 annually at the full fare. Pause for emphasis.

• Amid escalating living expenses, why should essential mobility impose yet another financial burden on Victorian households?

Cue Card 3: Environmental Sustainability BP2

• Transport contributed approximately 26% of Victoria's greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, the state's second-largest source.

• Eliminating fares would incentivise a transition from private vehicles towards more sustainable public transport alternatives.

• Rhetorical question: How can Victoria claim to prioritise climate action while maintaining financial barriers to sustainable travel?

Cue Card 4: Traffic Congestion BP3

• Picture Melbourne's peak-hour gridlock. Thousands of commuters trapped in an increasingly inefficient transport network.

• Fare-free transport would encourage a shift away from private vehicles, potentially alleviating congestion and improving urban mobility.

• Reduced traffic means greater productivity, shorter commutes and improved quality of life for Victorian residents.

Cue Card 5: Social Equity

• Victoria introduced free public transport for under-18s in January 2026, recognising the importance of affordable mobility.

• Why should this fundamental accessibility disappear the moment an individual turns 18?

• Removing fares would dismantle financial barriers to employment, education and healthcare, particularly for disadvantaged communities.

Conclusion

• Fare-free public transport represents a long-term investment in economic accessibility, environmental responsibility and social equality.

• Although government funding is necessary, the broader societal benefits warrant serious consideration.

• Final rhetorical question: "If public transport is a fundamental necessity for all Victorians, why should access to it remain a privilege determined by income?"