Community
7 April, 2023
Cheaper fares raise questions
THE introduction of cheap regional fares on V/Line services began last week after the State Government slashed prices to metropolitan levels, but a south west MP has slammed the cuts as unaffordable.
The cost of a daily ticket on the entire regional Victorian network has now been capped at the same price as metropolitan daily fares – currently $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession. On a weekend or public holiday, daily fares are capped at $6.70 and $3.35 for concession.
The cap formed a key election commitment for Daniel Andrews’ re-election bid, vowing savings for regional Victorians while driving tourism to the regions.
The cap also offered families living in rural and regional Victoria more affordable access to visiting loved ones and health and education services in other regional cities and in Melbourne.
For those who take long-distance V/Line journeys, the regional fare cap can save people more than $40 for each and every one-way journey on the regional public transport network.
“We’re delivering for all Victorians - making public transport more affordable and accessible to passengers in every corner of our state to ensure they can get to where they need to go,”
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said. “The regional fare cap will transform the way Victorians travel – and will also provide a huge benefit to regional tourism and businesses.”
But the opposition has hit out at the changes, citing a Parliamentary Budget Office report which revealed the policy would cost $358.1 million over the next four years, creating a $155 million shortfall. Shadow Minister for Public Transport Richard Riordan, the member for Polwarth, said the prices cut would be a financial failure which contributes to growing government debt.
“Labor’s financial failure means it can’t afford to keep fares low in the long term,” he said. “People from every corner of our state deserve cheaper fares and better services to get to important appointments, events or to see friends and family.
“Eight years of mismanagement and incompetence means that important services could be at risk. What services will be cut or when will V/Line fares be increased again?
“Labor is still yet to answer one simple question; how does it intend to deliver cheaper fares indefinitely without raising taxes or cutting jobs to make up the billion-dollar shortfall?”