The state government has quashed suggestions from Polwarth MP Richard Riordan its reduced V/Line fares were in doubt.
The state government made a pre-election promise to cap V/Line fares at the metropolitan daily rate of $9.20 for a full fare and $4.60 for a concession ticket from March 31.
The government has confirmed the reduced fares will be implemented permanently, despite Mr Riordan's claims.
Mr Riordan, the opposition spokesman for public transport, said analysis released by the independent Parliamentary Budget Office costed Labor's policy at $358.1 million over the next four years.
"This represents a massive $155 million - 76 per cent - blow out on the promised $203 million commitment as outlined in Labor's recent election costings, and raises serious questions as to the viability of this commitment," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS
- 'Process flaw' blamed for Reid Oval $125k 'overspend'
- Art gallery site back on the agenda for council?
- Future of once-controversial sculpture to 'be determined'
- Camperdown, Koroit residents falling behind in mortgage payments
- 'High-risk' thief who stole $300k of property back in custody charged with alleged burglaries
- 'It's no good being the classic champion if you're then off the pace'
Mr Riordan said the shortfall threw in doubt the state government's commitment to the lower fares and better public transport for regional Victorians.
"With not enough money allocated to match regional fares to those enjoyed in Melbourne, this can only mean higher prices for public transport into the future," he said.
However, the state government refuted his comments and said the discounted fares would be implemented in full.
A state government spokeswoman said the election costings were independently verified by the Department of Treasury and Finance.
The fare cap would be permanent, covering all state government run public transport including trains, regional and town buses and V/Line coaches.
A Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokeswoman told The Standard information on how to book rail travel tickets under the new fares would be available closer to the start date of March 31.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Tap here to open our Google News page
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group
- Subscribe
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
Lillian Altman
Lillian is an experienced journalist who joined Warrnambool Standard in late 2021. She has a particular interest in writing stories on the arts and culture, health, education, breaking news, police stories, as well as human interest and profiles.
Lillian is an experienced journalist who joined Warrnambool Standard in late 2021. She has a particular interest in writing stories on the arts and culture, health, education, breaking news, police stories, as well as human interest and profiles.
