Promise to halve train fares

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool’s had a few visits from Premier Daniel Andrews this year, but last Tuesday it was Opposition Leader Matthew Guy who paid a visit, promising to cut public transport fares.

Mr Guy and the Shadow Minister for Public Transport and Roads, Danny O’Brien, fittingly arrived by train at the Ballan Railway Station, joined by Liberal candidates for Eureka Paul Tatchell, and for Wendouree Samantha McIntosh.

Mr Guy said that should a Liberal Nationals Government be formed following the state election on November 26, V/Line fares would be halved for regional Victorians.

“I think it’s a good thing, to encourage people to get back on trains between our major cities. And when you’re in those major cities, to get from one destination to the next, your fare travelling within those major cities will be a flat $2 a day,” Mr Guy said.

“We want to get you back on the trains, cut V/Line fees in half, and have flat fees throughout our built-up areas. It’ll cost $185 million, but it’s money well spent.”

Mr Tatchell said taking 50 per cent off V/Line fares would have a significant effect on the Moorabool community, with more than half of its working residents leaving the Shire to go to work.

“Sixty per cent of Moorabool Shire commutes every day, so it’s an automatic saving. And the great thing here is it’s all about cost of living…I spoke to someone this morning, and they said they’ll save $5,000 a year. That money will go straight back into the community,” he said.

“I think one thing the pandemic has shown us is how many people have moved to the regions, and how important this infrastructure is for the regions. I think this is a magnificent announcement, it’ll pay dividends – it’ll pay for itself, because the money comes straight back where it belongs, in your local community.”

The 50 per cent fare reduction would apply for at least a four-year trial period, and would also make replacement bus services free of charge.

Currently a 365-day myki Pass from Ballarat to Melbourne costs $4,147 – under the Liberal Nationals plan it would cost $2,073.50. The savings would also apply for concession holders, with a 365-day myki Pass going from $2,073.50 to $1,036.75 for a concession holder.

Mr Guy said the plan would be fully costed and budgeted “before the election”.