Study Shows 45% of Australians Changing Travel
Research from Monash University indicates that nearly half of Australians have altered their travel habits due to the ongoing fuel crisis. This situation has highlighted significant transport gaps and financial inequalities across the nation.
The study surveyed 2,177 Australians and found that 45% have changed their mode of travel. Another 37% are contemplating a switch. One in five respondents reported walking more, while two in five have reduced their travel frequency.
Lower-income Australians are disproportionately affected. About 85% of those experiencing financial hardship have modified their travel behaviour. In contrast, only 56% of financially stable individuals have made changes.
Dr. Lauren Pearson, Research Fellow at the Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, stated, “The fuel crisis has opened a genuine window for healthier, more sustainable travel, but it has also exposed how unevenly that opportunity is distributed.”
Impact on Public Transport and Active Travel
The crisis has spurred an increase in active travel. About 62% of participants are open to walking more, 35% are considering bike riding, and 27% are exploring e-biking as alternatives. Free public transport fares have boosted usage in Victoria, where 45% of respondents reported increased public transport use, compared to 25% in Tasmania.
Victoria saw a 12% rise in new public transport users, while Tasmania experienced an 8% increase. These shifts indicate a growing interest in alternative travel modes.
Associate Professor Ben Beck from the Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine remarked, “The environments we have created aren’t supporting people to make these changes to healthy and affordable modes of transport.”
The study estimates that up to one-third of Australians might maintain their altered travel habits even if fuel prices decrease. Dr. Pearson highlighted the importance of this period for policymakers, emphasising the need for sustainable transport solutions.
According to the research, governments face a critical decision: either support and expand these changes or risk losing this momentum. The opportunity exists to ensure people have healthy, affordable, and sustainable transport options.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:58 am
