By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
FARE evasion on Geelong’s rail line could rise after myki replaces paper tickets later this year, Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) has warned.
The association raised its fears as Public Transport Victoria announced regional bus services would become myki-only services from 19 April in preparation for the move.
V/Line has confirmed that conductors will lose their ticket-selling powers under the myki system even though they will carry hand-held electronic readers.
PTUA convenor Paul Westcott said the situation created an anomaly.
“If conductors find someone who does not have a ticket they will give them a mild lecture and sell them a ticket, so at least V/Line gets the revenue.
“Under myki they can check tickets but if someone has failed to touch on or hold enough credit for a ticket there’s nothing they can do.
“Passengers will have to change their travel habits and hold a lot more money on myki to cover the costs of regular V/Line travel.”
A V/Line spokesperson said conductors would continue selling tickets in the early stages of the myki rollout.
“Fare evasion on V/Line is already low and tickets sold on board are generally to passengers who have got on at un-staffed stations.
“The introduction of myki provides V/Line interurban passengers with more ways to purchase a ticket than ever before, including top-up from myki machines at all un-staffed inter-urban stations, meaning passengers can always get a valid ticket before travel.
“There are no plans to provide conductors with the same powers as authorised officers.”
Geelong bus networks will stop selling short-term two-hour and daily disposable tickets next month.
Public Transport Victoria customer services director Alan Fedda said more than 20 additional retail outlets would support regional bus users in the transition to myki-only ticketing.
“It will take a few days to convert all buses to full myki sales and operation but passengers should be ready for myki to be the only ticket that can be used from day one.
“This is in addition to myki machines at V/Line stations selling full fare cards and Australia Post outlets selling myki starter packs.”
Mr Fedda urged to buy myki cards early so they were prepared for the change.
