New Affordable Fares Make Regional Travel More Accessible for Victorians

Since the introduction of a regional fare cap by the Victorian Government, travellers across Victoria have saved nearly $100 million on public transport fares, making travel between Melbourne and regional cities more accessible.

According to a media statement from Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, the fare cap—which sets regional fares at the daily metro rate of $10.60—has driven significant ridership, with over 37 million trips recorded since the policy began. This increase reflects how affordable transport options can connect communities and support regional mobility.

The fare cap has notably decreased costs for travellers across regional routes. A round trip from Melbourne to Geelong, previously priced at up to $27.60, now costs $10.60, as do routes to Ballarat and Traralgon, which once cost as much as $45.60 and $64.40, respectively. Minister Williams noted in the statement that capped fares have encouraged more Victorians to travel, with V/Line reporting its busiest day last month, recording 92,000 trips in a single day.

To support this demand, the government is introducing additional services, especially on the Geelong line, which will soon operate at 20-minute intervals between Melbourne and Waurn Ponds, seven days a week. This expansion is part of the Victorian Budget 2023/24 initiative, which includes nearly 200 new weekend services across regional networks. For passengers on the Warrnambool Line, recent improvements include a fourth weekend service and the introduction of VLocity trains, aimed at providing more modern and reliable travel.

For a passenger from Ballarat like Wendy, the fare cap has widened travel options. Working in Melbourne, she previously had to consider the high cost of her commute each week.

“Before, the weekly expense of just getting to work was overwhelming,” she explained. “Now, I can afford to make weekend trips back home without compromising my budget.” The capped fare has eased financial pressures, helping her balance work in Melbourne with home life in Ballarat.

For a retiree in Geelong, let’s call him Mark, the fare cap has made it easier to visit family. Mark frequently visits his grandchildren in Melbourne, but the cost previously made him limit these trips. “At nearly $30 round trip, I had to think twice. Now, I travel every other week without worrying about the expense,” he shared. With the upcoming additional services, Mark anticipates even more flexibility in planning visits.

The government’s media statement highlights that cheaper fares, more services, and new VLocity trains collectively enhance regional travel. Since 2015, over 900 new services have been introduced to the V/Line network each week, and the improved Geelong Line timetable is expected to make it the fastest and most frequent rail connection between two Australian cities.

As services expand, regional travel in Victoria becomes more accessible, creating economic and social benefits for communities across the state. The regional fare cap, combined with additional services, has made travel between Melbourne and regional areas more affordable, encouraging more Victorians to explore their own state and connect with family, work, and leisure across the region.