Article: Train and tram commuters dodge fines

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Train and tram commuters dodge fines

Train and tram commuters dodge fines

    Peter Rolfe
    From: Sunday Herald Sun
    July 24, 2011 12:00AM

VICTORIAN train and tram commuters are dodging up to $1.7 million of fines every year after disputing their infringement notices.

Thousands of Victorians caught breaking the law have escaped penalties with one-in-three commuters who challenge fines let off.

Despite claims by the State Government and public transport operators they are cracking down on fare evaders, figures obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun under Freedom of Information show that in the year to January 1, 9994 of 14,626 fines issued to bus and train commuters were overturned on appeal. The Department of Transport wiped out 7539 of 16,148 fines issued on trains during the same period. It axed 2455 of 7087 tickets issued on trams.

Penalties range between $61 for minors and $180 for adults for making a journey without a ticket, up to $239 for indecent or offensive behaviour, up to $299 for drinking alcohol and up to $305 for spitting. Fines can also be issued for smoking, littering, putting feet on seats, trespassing and train surfing.

Revenue from fines is returned to consolidated revenue with an administration fee paid to public transport operators to help cover costs incurred in ticket enforcement.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said passengers wanted to see fare evaders fined but also wanted to see people dealt with fairly.

"These statistics may show that some are being fined unfairly - for genuine mistakes in buying the wrong ticket, or when ticketing equipment isn't working," he said.

"Ultimately the best solution to fare evasion is ensuring it is easy to buy a ticket, and hard to get away without buying one."

Transport Department spokeswoman Joanne Davie said anyone who received a public transport fine could appeal for a review if they believed a mistake had been made or there were special or exceptional circumstances.