Coalition vows to halve V/Line fares

The Coalition has swiftly vowed to slash V/Line fares just days after $2 flat rates were pledged for metropolitan Melbourne.

The Coalition has vowed to halve V/Line fares if it wins at November’s election. Picture: David Crosling

The Coalition has vowed to halve V/Line fares across the state, two days after announcing $2 flat rate fares for metropolitan Melbourne.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy announced the $2 plan for local trains, trams and buses on Sunday prompting criticism that regional Victoria had been snubbed.

But in a press release on Tuesday morning Mr Guy said V/Line fares would be halved.

“For regional Victorians, public transport costs can run into thousands a year. Our plan will cut this in half and allows households to put those savings into what really matters,” he said.

“By reining in Daniel Andrews’ record debt, the Liberals and Nationals will slash travel costs and reward hardworking families across the state.”

The Coalition says under the V/Line plan a daily commuter travelling from Geelong to Melbourne would save $1762 a year.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy says slashing fares will help hardworking families save more. Picture: David Geraghty

Someone travelling from Bendigo to Melbourne daily would save $2408 a year.

The bold plan to get more people to use public transport is the first major cost of living announcement by either major party.

It comes as the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor showed 55 per cent of Victorians considered the cost of living the most pressing issue ahead of the election.

Healthcare – which has dominated the election campaign – was voted the second most important issue, followed by housing, petrol prices and the economy.

Opposition Public Transport spokesman 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,” he 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.”

“We also know and share the frustration of regional Victorians who turn up expecting a train, only to be greeted all too frequently under Labor by a bus. When this occurs, we’ll make that travel free.”

Under the plan, V/Line and metropolitan fares would be reduced for at least four years.

Originally published as Coalition vows to halve V/Line fares