From today public transport fares for regional Victorians will drop by 87 per cent making public transport more affordable for everyone.
Prior to the new ticket pricing travellers were paying an exorbitant $68.80 to travel from Bendigo to Melbourne, creating a significant barrier for regional residents wanting to access public transport.
From today a full fare ticket will now be capped at $9.20 with concession tickets priced at $4.60, encouraging individuals and families living rurally to utilise the public transport system to travel to work, school, events, or to visit family and friends.
Ms Edwards said she expects to see a strong uptake from residents.
“There are a lot of commuters driving from Bendigo to Castlemaine and vice versa who will now be able to catch public transport,” Ms Edwards said.
“The rising cost of petrol is prohibitive, and the lower fares will encourage more people to catch public transport, which will take cars off congested roads.”
There are some concerns that cheaper train fares will contribute to overcrowding on public transport, with a limited number of trains available for regional passengers.
Ms Edwards confirmed that there will be an increase in carriages, produced within Victoria, introduced in 2024.
“There may be overcrowding in the short-term,” Ms Edwards said. “But that’s a good problem to have.”
The cap will also apply to interstate travel within 60 kilometres of the Victorian border, to ensure those living in border communities in New South Wales and South Australia benefit as well. The fare cap applies to all Public Transport Victoria regional buses, town buses, and V/Line trains and coaches.
“This is a great outcome and something that was desperately needed,” Ms Edwards commented.