Major increase to cost of fine for not wearing a mask on public transport in Victoria

Victorians caught without a mask on public transport can be fined thousands of dollars under tough new regulations that have been criticised as “vicious”.

Commuters face fines up to $3600 for failing to wear a mask on public transport. Picture: Ian Currie

Victorians can now be fined up to $3600 for failing to wear a mask on public transport.

Under new regulations introduced by the state government, fines of up to 20 penalty units, or $181.74, are now applicable for failing to wear a face covering on public transport if required by a pandemic order.

And it includes for people caught not wearing masks at bus stops, train stations or tram platforms.

The maximum penalty would only apply for repeat offenders if the matter were to go to court.

It cannot apply to on-the spot fines, which remain at $100.

Victorians had previously faced $100 fines for not wearing a face covering when required, without a reasonable excuse.

Previously, public transport passengers faced $100 fines for not wearing a mask. Picture: Joel Carrett

The new regulations stipulate: “A person must not, without reasonable excuse, enter or travel in a passenger vehicle without wearing a face covering if a pandemic order is in force that requires a person to wear a face covering in that circumstance.”

Liberal Democrat MP David Limbrick described the move as “vicious”.

In a media release issued last week Public Transport Victoria said latest data showed mask compliance on both the train and tram networks were at their lowest since May 2021.

In January compliance on the tram network was at 78 per cent, while on trains it was 73 per cent.

Mask compliance reached a high of 87 per cent on the train network during August 2021 and peaked at 91 per cent across trams in June and October 2021.

Department of Transport chief of network operations, Brett Langley, said the ongoing measure was necessary.

“As we continue our pathway through Covid-19, wearing a mask on public transport is helping to keep each other safe,” he said.

“Wearing masks on the public transport network is a simple, yet extremely effective measure to protect passengers and staff.

“Authorised Officers will now be able to make sure passengers are doing the right thing to help all Victorians travel safely, and with confidence.”