Fare rises?

[ozbob]

From the Melbourne Age click here!

Transport fares face big rise

Transport fares face big rise
Reid Sexton
October 20, 2011

THE state government is considering a big rise in public transport fares in a move that could result in Melbourne passengers paying about $100 million more over the next two years alone.

The price rise was originally promised by the previous Labor government to help fund its $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan, which has been virtually scrapped by the new government.

Transport Minister Terry Mulder and the Department of Transport declined to answer questions from The Age about how much extra revenue the rises might generate.

Mr Mulder also refused to rule out introducing the fare increases.

In 2008 the Brumby government said it would increase the cost of public transport tickets by 5 per cent plus inflation in both 2012 and 2013 to fund its ground-breaking plan.

If implemented, this could see a zone 1 weekly myki pass rise from $30.20 to around $34.90 by 2013 and an equivalent zone 1 and 2 pass rise from $51 to $58.95.

Using Metlink's 2010 figure for ticket revenue across all metropolitan trains, trams and buses of $615 million and the government's projected inflation figure of 2.5 per cent for 2012, Melbourne passengers will pay at least $46.13 million more next year if the proposed price rise proceeds.

In 2013 that figure will be $49.58 million, or more than $95 million over two years.

But that figure is likely to be significantly higher once a fare rise introduced this year and increased patronage is taken into account.

Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said any price rise would be unfair given rising levels of patronage means services are generating more money than ever. ''Melbourne commuters already pay some of the highest fares in the country,'' he said.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Fiona Richardson said it was unreasonable for the government to expect passengers to pay for a plan that it had scrapped.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/transport-fares-face-big-rise-20111019-1m85f.html

[SurfRail]

Honestly, where does Daniel Bowen get off?

(cue somebody saying "Clayton" or "Nunawading"...)

[Fares_Fair]

Hi Surfrail,

Do you mean because of the "paying some of the highest fares in the country phrase."
If so, he needs to get in line (behind Queensland).

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

[SurfRail]

Hi Surfrail,

Do you mean because of the "paying some of the highest fares in the country phrase."
If so, he needs to get in line (behind Queensland).

Regards,
Fares_Fair.

Correctamundo. 

V/Line commuters may pay more, but they are getting a comparably superior (and largely booked-seat) service.  The rest of the network - much cheaper over time.