Transport costs have risen in every Australian capital city and region throughout the past quarter, according to AAA research.
The Australian Automobile Associations’ (AAA) March 2018 Transport Affordability Index shows the average Australian metropolitan household is now spending $17,912 on transport costs per year, an increase of $306 from the previous quarter. The report also shows the average regional household now spends $14,326 annually on transport, an increase of $318.
While the majority of city and regional locations saw increases in average weekly earnings, the cost of transport outstripped these gains, with transport costs as a percentage of income increasing by one percentage point to 14.3 per cent in cities and 12.5 per cent in regions.
AAA CEO Michael Bradley said: “This report shows Australian motorists continue to experience increasing pressure from rising transport costs with every city and region measured seeing increases.
“Policymakers around the country need to be aware that households are facing these rising costs and look at ways to keep them in check.“
The increase in costs over the quarter was largely due to an increase in interest rates on new car loans; the average cost of the top 10 selling vehicles; fuel price changes; and price changes relating to comprehensive insurance and public transport.
Key findings:
ENDS.
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Jonathan Hawkes
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