New stats reveal thousands of Victorians fined for not having a valid ticket on public transport

FARE dodgers across Melbourne’s transport network are coughing up millions of dollars in fines, but there were two types of fines that weren’t issued at all in the past two years.

FARE dodgers across Melbourne’s transport network are coughing up millions of dollars in fines, with new figures revealing 167 people are caught daily without a ticket.

Transport for Victoria data shows there have been 61,258 fines issued for failing to produce a valid ticket in 2018, up from 57,484 for all of 2017.

Adults caught by authorised officers are charged $242, with infringements delivering a ­potential windfall of $14.8 million this year.

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No fines were issued over the past two years for failing to vacate priority seating to disabled, pregnant and elderly people or for parking in station carparks without using public transport. In the 2017-18 financial year, it is estimated $39.9 million was lost in fare evasion across the state’s entire transport network.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said overall the number of fines issued on the network had fallen.

A passenger uses a Myki Quick Top Up machine at Domain Interchange.

“The more people pay their way, the more money is available to help fund public transport improvements,” he said.

“Ultimately, public transport is a shared space, passengers are all in it together, and co-operation can help make the journey pleasant for everybody. It’s disappointing that authorities are not catching anybody for unauthorised use of station carparks.

“This is a real issue at some stations, where parking spaces are regularly taken by local workers rather than being able to be used by commuters.”

Another 6879 people were fined for putting their feet on chairs and walls, 300 were fined for smoking and 24 were fined for being obscene or threatening in 2018.

“Authorities can do more by continuing education and improving signage that encourages good etiquette and compliance with the rules,” Mr Bowen said.

“For instance, it’s common to see passers-by smoking underneath street bus and tram shelters, which causes ­issues for waiting passengers.

“Feet on seats is also disappointingly common, and can result in scarce seats on-board a train, tram or bus being unusable by other people.”

A government spokeswoman said 95.3 per cent of people touched on in Melbourne.

“We have put in tough new contracts to ensure a better passenger experience — but we all have a role to play to deliver a more comfortable journey,” she said.

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