Fare change driving commuter surge towards to outer suburban stations

Following major changes to public transport fares, commuters in Melbourne’s inner and outer suburbs have drastically changed the way they get around.

Changes to public transport fares have driven an influx of new train passengers in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.

Metro patronage data shows some of the biggest increases in commuter numbers at stations came after a sharp decrease in the price of zone 2 fares.

In 2015, the cost of a Zone 1 and 2 fare was reduced from $12.12 to $7.52 and is currently now valued at $8.80.

Since then patronage has soared in outer suburban areas while passenger numbers at stations at the edge of Zone 1 have declined.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the figures showed people had previously been driving through the suburbs to avoid expensive fares.

“The good news is that the fare changes removed the huge leap in price for going across a zone boundary,” he said.

Train passengers have increased in areas near the Zone 2 boundary.

“This has given people outside Zone 1 the option of catching a train closer to home without paying through the nose for it.”

But Mr Bowen said the changes had also encouraged more passengers to jump on the train and more services were needed.

“Crowding is now an issue both during peak and at off-peak times, particularly on the lines serving growth areas of Melbourne.

“Action is needed now to cut crowding and cut waiting times.

“More people on trains means fewer on the roads, which is good news for everyone. But the service must keep up with the growth.”

Oakleigh, Reservoir, Albion, Heidelberg and Brighton Beach were among the stations on the zone boundary to record a decline in passengers since 2015. But Jacana, Williams Landing and Westall recorded a surge.

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A Department of Transport spokesman said the fare structure had been changed to provide cheaper fares for passengers catching the train further out from the city.

“The changes also gave passengers flexibility to switch between trains, trams and buses without incurring additional costs,” he said.

“The Department of Transport is always looking at ways to help give passengers across the network a better experience, but there are no plans to review the current zonal boundaries.”