THE Victorian Opposition will slash V/Line fares in half if it wins next month’s state election.
Liberal leader Matthew Guy said cheaper public transport costs were a key part of the Liberals’ and Nationals’ long-term economic plan.
Fares on all regional lines would be halved for at least four years, with train replacement bus services free of charge.
The announcement on Tuesday morning follows the Coalition’s promise on Sunday to set $2-a-day public transport price caps in metropolitan areas.
Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said that meant a full fare adult return trip from Swan Hill to Melbourne would cost $46 instead of $92.
For concession travellers, the cost would fall from $46 to $23.
“That is putting money back in the pockets of regional Victorians and helping ease pressure on household budgets,” Mr Walsh said.
“Improving our roads and cheaper public transport costs are two key parts of our policy platform, and are made possible because we will rein in Daniel Andrews’ spiralling debt and wasteful spending.
“Interest rates are on the rise, the fuel excise has returned, energy bills are up, and our weekly grocery bills keep growing. There’s no doubt cost-of-living pressures are increasing and people are looking for ways to save money.”
Mr Walsh said it would also help stimulate tourism in the north-west of the state.
Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan said: “The Liberals are leaving behind regional Victoria again, but asking us to pay up to 20 times more to use a train than people in Melbourne.
“Previous Liberal-National governments cut regional train lines, closed regional stations and sold off public transport – if he gets the chance, Matthew Guy will do the same.”
Murray Downs resident and regular train commuter Rob Duffield said the cut would help boost tourism in the regions by making it more affordable for families to make day trips and holiday.
“In a high-cost environment, this is a positive policy announcement, but the whole issue of rail travel to Swan Hill needs to be assessed.
“We need new modern trains and infrastructure that will drive tourism to our region and eliminate the need for replacement buses.
“We also need to be connected immediately to the Myki system, because if you’re in Swan Hill you have to buy a paper ticket at the box office if it’s open within the times you can get down to the station.”
Weekly commuter Simon Myers said he thought it would be a great policy if the Coalition won.
“It’s a great service and will save a person close to $50 return,” he said.
“I think tourists will find the current price relatively affordable anyway, but this policy is probably designed for people who regularly use that service.
“You can get on the train, do your work and not worry about having to do a long drive on weekends.”
What locals had to say:
Nicole Theobald: Need more regular trains to Melbourne and Bendigo. Restore the train to Mildura whilst you’re at it.
Julian Stap: Good roads and a hospital would probably be better.
Jen Smythe: Yes, travel by train and rely on senior free tickets to travel. This restricts us to only travelling when needed for hospital appointments. If half price, we could afford more.
