South Australians using public transport are set to get a little cost-of-living relief this winter, with the State Government hitting pause on planned metroCARD fare increases as global fuel uncertainty continues.
Under normal annual indexation, Adelaide Metro fares were expected to rise from July 1st. But the State Government has now confirmed metroCARD public transport fares will remain frozen at current 2025-26 prices until at least October 1st, giving commuters a temporary reprieve amid ongoing global economic pressures.
The move comes as conflict in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty across international fuel markets, with governments closely monitoring the potential flow-on effects to everyday living costs.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said, “While we all understand that various Government fees and charges always increase with CPI, we try wherever we can to minimise those increases, and in the 2026-27 financial year, we are keeping that increase below the rate of inflation – in some cases, well below.
“But that’s not all. We know the ongoing conflict in Iran has caused ongoing uncertainty. While we have seen the cost of filling up a tank come down substantially from the peaks we saw in March, we believe it is appropriate to put a pause on the indexed increases to public transport fares.”
The Government will review the situation again in October before deciding whether to apply the standard 3.3 per cent fare indexation later in the year.
While public transport fares are temporarily staying put, a range of other state fees and charges will still rise from July 1st, although the Government says increases will remain below the current national inflation rate of 4.6 per cent.
For motorists, registration costs for a standard four-cylinder vehicle will rise by 3.4 per cent, bringing the yearly total to $693.52. Compulsory Third Party insurance premiums for metropolitan Class 1 vehicles will also increase slightly, rising from the current lowest available rate of $264.31 to $274.73.
Despite the increase, the Government says current CTP prices remain significantly lower than they were prior to reforms introduced in 2019 under South Australia’s competitive CTP insurance model.
According to the State Government, motorists with an average four-cylinder metropolitan vehicle will still be paying almost $137 less annually for CTP compared to pre-reform pricing.
The fare freeze is expected to be welcome news for regular commuters, particularly as Adelaide households continue balancing rising grocery, utility and housing costs alongside ongoing economic uncertainty globally.
The Government says further decisions around transport fares will depend on international conditions and whether volatility in fuel markets continues through the second half of the year.
