Geelong’s train passengers have made big savings on travel thanks to the state government’s regional fare cap, which encouraged more people to use public transport.
Geelong passengers previously paid up to $27.60 for a return trip to Melbourne until tickets were capped at the same price as a metropolitan daily fare, up to $9.20, from March 31, 2023.
Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said the regional fare cap had put close to $31 million back in people’s wallets, with close to four million trips taken since it was introduced.
“Victorians are making the most of reduced fares to attend special events and festivities across the state,” she said.
“The September school holidays saw more than 900,000 trips taken across the V/Line network in the two weeks alone.
“The regional fare cap has played a big role in boosting patronage on Geelong Line services, helping Victorians keep savings in their pockets.”
Member for Lara Ella George said the popularity of regional travel had increased by close to a third, with the Geelong Line showing a 22 per cent increase since the same time last year.
“We’re delighted fairer fares have been so popular and we’ll continue transforming the regional rail network, upgrading every line in the state, as well as adding more trains and services,” she said.
Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said essential infrastructure upgrades like the Waurn Ponds and Marshall Station and regional fare cap were a fantastic way to make travel easier.
“Our investments into regional rail infrastructure across South Barwon is essential in delivering more services and keeping costs low for locals,” he said.
