Friday, 31 March 2023

REGIONAL FARE CAP NOW IN EFFECT

The Andrews Labor Government is making it more affordable for passengers in northern Victoria to travel, with the regional fare cap now in effect.

The cost of a daily ticket on the entire regional Victorian network is now capped at $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession – the same price as a metro daily fare.

On a weekend or public holiday, daily fares are capped at $6.70 and $3.35 for concession.

That means more money in regional Victorians’ pockets and ensures families living in northern Victoria can visit family and friends and access vital health and education services right across the state.

For those who take long-distance V/Line journeys, the regional fare cap can save people more than $40 for each and every journey on the regional public transport network.

The cap also applies 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 PTV regional buses, town buses and V/Line trains and coaches.

The Labor Government is continuing to boost the public transport network across regional Victoria, running more trains more often – investing nearly $1.5 billion in 59 new VLocity trains since 2014, which has created around 500 jobs.

Since 2014, an extra 800 V/Line train services have also been added – with a record 2,200 regional train services now operating every week. Almost 200 extra weekend services are set to be added to the V/Line timetable from 2024 – with a further order of 23 VLocity trains to meet the demands of a growing network.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit vline.com.au or ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“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.”

“The regional fare cap will transform the way Victorians travel – and will also provide a huge benefit to regional tourism and businesses.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Reducing the cost of travel into our region will provide a huge benefit to passengers, as well as our local businesses.”

“The regional fare cap will also encourage more people to travel to the area, and connect them with family, friends and loved ones.”