melbourne system improved without erg

Off-peak fares possible in new system

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Stephen Moynihan
September 16, 2006
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VICTORIA'S new ticketing system has the flexibility to enable the introduction of off-peak fares to increase patronage and limit overcrowding on Melbourne's bursting train network.

Off-peak travel is one of a number of options being considered by the Department of Infrastructure once the new myki (pronounced "my-key)" ticketing is introduced next year.

Several suburban rail lines suffer from severe overcrowding in the morning peak. Train patronage has risen by 14 per cent in 12 months as people abandon their cars because of high petrol prices.

Currently, off-peak fares cannot be purchased in zone 1 but are available in zones 2 and 3, to be used after 9am on weekdays. Cheaper fares outside the peaks would encourage travel at those times.

Commuters will use a plastic card that has stored credit, and it will be scanned at the start and end of each trip. The Government believes myki will ensure passengers always receive the cheapest fare for their journey.

It is unclear what penalties will be introduced for passengers who fail to "scan off", but Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said it was necessary for travellers to ensure they used the card correctly to get the cheapest fare.

Existing ticketing equipment will be removed and replaced. Metcard, which cost $330 million and was introduced in 1998, will become a thing of the past.

Melbourne University transport expert Paul Mees said myki was a "scandalous waste" of taxpayers' money.

Transport Ticketing Authority architect Duncan Bryce told The Age it would be at the Government's discretion to introduce off-peak fares.

Similar systems operate in London, Hong Kong and Taipei.