Myki fares to increase in 2018: Victorian public transport costs revealed

VICTORIANS will have to fork out more money for public transport next year after the Andrews Government confirmed Myki fares will increase from January 1. See how much more you will pay.

COMMUTERS will fork out an extra $75 for annual Myki adult passes and daily trip ­prices will rise to $8.60 when public transport fares increase in the new year.

The Andrews Government will today announce a 4.7 per cent rise in public transport fares from January 1.

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The new fares will see primary school groups given free trips during off-peak periods and holiday revellers getting free trips home on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

From January 1, a single adult two-hour pass will rise from $4.10 to $4.30, and a daily fare from $8.20 to $8.60.

Commuters will be hit with the hike from January 1. Picture: Eugene Hyland

Concession cardholders will pay half of the full fares. Public Transport Users ­Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the fare increases could force some commuters to rethink their options.

“It does mean that short trips in particular are becoming more expensive, and you would hope that doesn’t discourage users,” he said.

“Back in 2013 the Coalition budgeted for fare increases that rose with the Consumer Price Index, plus an additional 2.5 per cent.

“Labor has kept with that and it means fares keep rising faster than inflation.”

web Myki Price increase 650 800

web Myki Price increase 650 800

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan will today also announce a boost for primary school groups that use public transport for excursions.

From January 1, those groups travel free between 9.30am-3.30pm on all metropolitan and regional services.

She will also announce that Victorian Carer Card holders are set to have their benefits extended, with free trips on across two consecutive zones on weekends.

“We’re making primary school excursions easier and helping carers get around the city to support those they care for,” Ms Allan said.

As an additional sweetener, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve revellers will once again get free public transport.

From 6pm on New Year’s Eve, metropolitan services will run for 12 hours free of charge. And the first service on every regional line will also be free for passengers on January 1.

Free Christmas Day services will run to a Sunday timetable and will include a limited number of V/Line coach routes. Ms Allan said: “Free public transport during the festive period makes it safer, cheaper and easier for people to leave the car at home and enjoy the festivities.”

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