‘Reason to WFH’: Melburnians cop Myki price hike amid major train disruptions

It will cost Melburnians more to catch the train from July, with a Myki price hike coming at the same time the network is affected by major disruptions.

The cost of travelling on Melbourne's trains is going up despite major disruptions to the network.

The Herald Sun revealed on Friday a daily Myki fare will be $10 from July 1, an 8.7 per cent increase.

It comes as many train lines are affected by works this winter, including buses replacing trains on sections of the Frankston line until early August.

Cranbourne, Pakenham, Werribee, Williamstown, Sunbury, Mernda and Hurstbridge lines will also have major disruptions in July, according to Public Transport Victoria – which has not yet published the new fares.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said the price hike was unexpected because fare increases are usually done in January not July, although there was no increase in January this year.

“We’ve got a big rise of almost 9 per cent that I don’t think many people will be over the moon about,” he said on 3AW.

Melburnians will be paying more to catch a train from July. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

On a positive note for regional Victorians, the daily fare is expected to include the regional train network, V/Line.

“It’s not too bad if you’re travelling a long distance … but for those travelling around Melbourne it will sting you pretty hard for what might be a short journey,” Mr Bowen said.

He added he didn’t think the fare increase would be very welcomed by public transport users amid a cost-of-living crisis and extensive rail works.

“Next week we’re going to see about half the rail lines affected by replacement buses for some or all of the journey, so not great timing to see a rise and certainly not such a big rise as this,” he said.

Melburnians expressed their outrage over the timing of the fare increase on social media.

“Half the lines have bus replacements yet they do this? No wonder so many fare evade. Crap transport system we got,” wrote one person.

“What a time to do this, right when several train lines are going to be out for 2 weeks,” agreed another.

“$10 a day to catch a train-bus-train for a 80 minute trip that should take 50mins? Should be free while there are mass disruptions,” added a third.

People are not impressed the price rise comes at a time where many lines have major disruptions and replacement buses. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“Price increase for a substandard train system with replacement buses running for the next year!!!!” wrote another.

“Another reason to work from home,” one person added.

Another asked: “Is this to pay for the 1.7bn new myki system or the offset for V/Line trips being under $10?”

From March 31, V/Line fares were capped at $9.20 a day like Melbourne and in May, the Andrews government announced Myki would be revamped to bring it up to speed with other major cities.

Commuters will be able to use their smartphone or credit card to tap on and off the state’s transport network in 2025, following a trial in regional Victoria next year.

The overhaul is set to cost taxpayers $1.7 billion over 15 years.

A government spokeswoman told the Herald Sun: “From free car rego for apprentices to free kinder for all Victorian children, capped regional train fares and the Power Saving Bonus, we’re doing everything we can to drive down the everyday cost of living for Victorians.”