Melbourne public transport: Off peak discount extended to July

Passengers will continue to get discounted trips if they travel off peak in bid to encourage social distancing on Melbourne’s train system.

A trial of off peak fares giving commuters a 30 per cent discount will be extended until July 2.

Almost 200,000 extra public transport passengers have ditched the peak hour commute in the past month, instead opting to travel off-peak in March.

New Department of Transport figures revealed 715,573 passengers travelled after the morning and afternoon peak, up from nearly 535,000 in February.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Melbourne commuters will continue to receive a discount when travelling off peak, after the state government extended their trial of cheaper fares until July 2.

The scheme, introduced in late January, has given commuters a 30 per cent discount when touching on between 9.30am and 4pm, and after 7pm, in a bid to ease crowding on peak hour services and encourage social distancing.

Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said workers returning to the office had changed their days and travel habits to keep the network safe.

“By staggering travel and commuting outside of peak times, passengers can save money – and most importantly, keep themselves and Victorians safe on our network as Victoria continues to recover from the pandemic,” he said.

Public transport patronage has risen nine per cent from the previous week, with the network at 60 per cent of pre-COVID levels.

But it is no doubt busier.

The Herald Sun witnessed carriages at capacity during train services into the city after 9.30am on both the Belgrave and Lilydale lines.

One passenger on the Belgrave line, Nick, said he deliberately planned his day to capitalise on the discount, but said he didn’t expect the scheme to be so popular.

“I thought the trains would be much quieter at this time, but I guess I was wrong,” he said.

“Some days I get on after 9.30am and struggle to get a seat.”

Another commuter said starting the day later was largely a request driven by her employer.

“I didn’t even realise at first that we got a discount,” she said.

“I only started my day later to fit in with staggered start times.”

Victorian Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Paul Guerra said all businesses had different operational needs.