Some public transport fares to rise

ANNUAL increases in the cost of traveling on some public transport have been announced for 2020.

For the fifth year in a row there’ll be no increase to the cost of riding on local buses, with a two-hour fare holding at $2.40 while a daily ticket stays at $4.80.

However, there are increases on the V/Line service to Melbourne.

A single, full fare, one-way, peak service ticket between Ballarat and Melbourne will rise 60 cents, from $22.20 to $22.60. Concession goes from $11.10 to $11.30.

Off peak over the same journey is up 28 cents, from $15.54 to $15.82 and concession rises from $7.77 to $7.91.

All those fares are up by 1.8 per cent year-on-year.

Myki pass increases are up to $124.60 full fare, and $62.30 concession, between Ballarat and Melbourne for a seven-day pass. While 28-325 day passes will wash out at $12.66 full fair and $6.33 concession per day.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said the statewide average 1.7 per cent increase was the lowest in 10 years.

Meanwhile public transport across Victoria will be free on Christmas Day and from 6pm in New Year’s Eve, with extra train and coach services to help get people home in the early hours of 2020.

V/Line is suggesting that if you plan to travel on long distance services over those times you book ahead as trains and busses can fill up quickly.

State public transport minister, Melissa Horne, said public transport was the best way to get around during the festive season.

“We’re making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go as we celebrate Christmas and ring in the new decade,” she said.