Myki fares to increase to $10.60 a day in second price hike in six months

Six months ago the state government raised the cost of public transport — now cash-strapped Victorians face another hike in the New Year.

Victorians can expect to pay more for public transport in the New Year, with the state government set to raise Myki prices for the second time in six months. Picture: Paul Jeffers

Public transport fares will be hiked even further in the New Year as the government attempts to find extra funds to plug its growing debt problem.

Commuters will be hit with the Victorian government’s second public transport increase in just six months on January 1 after Myki fares crept up to $10 a day in July.

Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams, who announced the new price hike on Friday, refused to confirm how much public transport users would be coughing up.

Instead, she said the increase would be in line with CPI, meaning fares are likely to rise by six per cent to $10.60 a day.

Commuters can expect to pay $10.60 per day on public transport from next year.

It comes as cost-of-living pressures continue to strain Victorian families.

Opposition spokesperson for Public Transport Matthew Guy said it was absurd that Victorians are being slugged with higher fares again.

“Victorians are paying the highest taxes in Australia and the last thing they need is to be paying more to use public transport,” he said.

He called on the Allan government to pause its planned Myki fare increase.

“This six per cent increase in Myki fares will hit all Victorians at a time when they can least afford it and comes just six months after Labor’s last price rise,” he said.

“Under Labor, electricity prices have gone up over 25 per cent in the past year and there have been new and increased taxes on property, jobs, rent, schools, health and holidays because of Labor’s financial mismanagement.”

Daniel Bowen, a spokesman for the Public Transport Users Association, said fares have gone up 20 per cent in the last five years, applying significant pressure to households.

Commuters, however, will be given free rides on trams, trains and buses on Christmas Day and from 6pm on New Year’s Eve.

Ms Williams said: “Celebrating with family and friends is incredibly important at this time of year and providing free travel across the state will make it easier for all Victorians to catch up with loved ones.”