Victorians will have regional train fares capped at less than $10 per day from March, in a move likely to prompt car commuters to seriously consider alternatives to driving.
From March 31, regional travel will be capped at $9.20 per day; a welcome reprieve for city commuters from Shepparton who currently pay between more than $25 for a one-way fare to Melbourne.
Shepparton’s rail service was recently upgraded to include more trips by new VLocity trains.
The decision to make regional train fares comparable to metropolitan Melbourne daily fares eventuated from the Labor Government’s election promise to reduce fees.
Prior to the November state election, both major political parties promised to slash regional train prices if elected.
After the last fare cut in 2007, V/Line reported a surge in customers using train services when fees were reduced by 20 per cent.