Cheaper train fares are around the corner for regional Victorians, with the regional fare cap coming into effect next week.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll today visited Southern Cross Station, which will see hundreds of thousands of passengers benefit when the regional fare cap is implemented from March 31.
“We’re proud to be making regional fares fair — making public transport accessible to passengers who live in every corner of our state and opening up regional Victoria to more visitors,” Mr Andrews said.
The state government is capping the cost of a daily ticket on the entire regional Victorian network at the same price as a metro daily fare, ensuring families living in rural and regional Victoria can visit family and friends and access vital health and education services in other regional cities and in Melbourne.
Passengers wishing to purchase a ticket for long-distance trains and coaches will be able to book ahead from tomorrow (Wednesday, March 22) from 9am. At Southern Cross Station, tickets can be purchased from the ticketing office.
Current metro fares mean regional trips will initially be capped at $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession – and at $6.70 and $3.35 for concession on a weekend or public holiday.
“The regional fare cap will transform the way Victorians travel and encourage more people to connect with family and friends right across our state — and will also benefit our fantastic regional tourism businesses,” Mr Carroll said.
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 will also apply to interstate travel within 60km of the Victorian border, to ensure those living in border communities in NSW and South Australia benefit as well. The fare cap applies to all PTV regional buses, town buses and V/Line trains and coaches.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vline.com.au or ptv.vic.gov.au
Works to upgrade and maintain the Shepparton line mean buses are replacing trains to and from this region until early April.
Until Saturday, April 1 coaches will replace trains between Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and Seymour.
Meanwhile, between Seymour and Shepparton, coaches will replace trains until Thursday, April 6.
Passengers are urged to allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journey and to check the PTV app or website before travelling.
From Sunday, April 2 to Thursday, April 6, coaches will depart Shepparton up to 35 minutes earlier than usual train times to ensure connection with trains at Seymour.