All V/Line fares will be halved for at least four years and V/Line replacement bus services will be free of charge under a Liberal and Nationals Government.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said under this plan, a daily commuter travelling from Bairnsdale to Southern Cross station in Melbourne would save half of the $78.80 return trip.
“That’s down and back for under $40,” Mr Bull said.
“This is in addition to the Liberals and Nationals’ $2 flat fares for local train, tram and bus travel that will help ease road congestion and encourage more sustainable transport choices.
“Town bus runs like we have in Bairnsdale will be a maximum $2 for the day and $1 for concession fares, and when East Gippslanders travel to Melbourne, they will have these same discounts on metro public transport as well.
“The replacement buses, with little or no notice when people have booked a train ticket, is also a point of great frustration to many. While it will continue to occur while we upgrade the services, we will make those free of charge.
“This is another way The Nationals are rewarding hardworking regional families and providing a real solution to ease pressure on household budgets,” Mr Bull said.
“Improving our roads and cheaper public transport costs are a key part of our policy platform and are made possible because we will rein in Daniel Andrews’ spiralling debt and wasteful spending,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Public Transport, Danny O’Brien, said halving V/Line fares was a real solution to reward and support regional Victorian families.
“By halving V/Line fares, our plan will keep more money in regional Victorians’ pockets, while at the same time stimulating tourism in regional Victoria,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Travel costs shouldn’t be a barrier to going about everyday life and under the Liberals and Nationals’ plan, regional Victorians will get the cheap, easy commute they deserve.
Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, at the Bairnsdale Station announcing half priced V/Line fares for at least four years, under a Liberal and Nationals Government.

Tuesday, 11 October 2022