The state government has announced a regional fare cap for V/Line services, coming into effect from Friday, March 31.
A daily ticket on the regional Victorian network will be capped at the same price as a metro daily fare.
Current metro fares mean regional trips will initially be capped at $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession fare.
For a full fare it will cost $6.70 on a weekend or public holiday and $3.35 for a concession fare.
For those taking long-distance V/Line journeys, the regional fare cap can save travellers as much as $40 each journey.
The fare cap applies to all PTV regional buses, town buses and V/Line trains and coaches.
The cap will also apply to interstate travel within 60km of the Victorian border, to ensure those living in border communities in New South Wales and South Australia also benefit.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the reduction in price was about bringing fairness to the V/Line structure.
“Making public transport accessible to passengers who live in every corner of our state and opening up regional Victoria to more visitors,” the premier said.
The V/Line network is currently at 80 per cent patronage compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, however the premier anticipates this may increase with the reduced fares.
An additional 400 services are planned to be added to the regional network in 2024.
The reduction will come into effect during the Term 1 school holidays.
Passengers wishing to purchase a ticket for long-distance trains and coaches can now book ahead for the reduced price. At Southern Cross Station in Melbourne, tickets can be purchased from the ticketing office.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vline.com.au or ptv.vic.gov.au