From April 2023, Loddon Mallee residents and businesses benefit from fairer regional public transport fares. Where public transport ticket cost used to be calculated by distance – the longer the trip, the more expensive – now, a daily capped rate of $9.20 and $4.60 for concession has been implemented by the Victorian State Government.
The fare cap applies to all regional buses, town buses, V/Line trains and coaches.
It means that no matter whether you’re in Mildura or Kyneton, a trip to Melbourne will cost the same. And, considering a one-way ticket between Mildura and Melbourne used to be $56.80; and between Bendigo and Melbourne, $34.40, the cost savings are significant for residents and visitors alike.
A media release by the Victorian Government also confirms that the cap will apply to interstate travel within 60 km of the Victorian border. It ensures those living in border communities in New South Wales and South Australia benefit as well.
Local Loddon Mallee businesses stand to benefit from increased visitation
On the Loddon Mallee investment front, it can only be good news – especially for tourism and hospitality businesses, and potential investors in these sectors. Savings made on public transport will be spent, instead, in the communities and businesses across the region.
The capped fare not only makes it possible for more Victorians to explore their own backyard, but to venture further than they may have in the past because longer travel represents even better value for money. Look out Mildura!!
Data from the Tourism and Transport Forum taken in 2023 shows Australian tourists are spending more domestically than before COVID-19. And, timed with interest-rate rises and the increased cost of living, it’s likely we’ll continue to see a preference for domestic travel. The fare cuts then, add another timely motivation.
New trains and extra train services for the Loddon Mallee to come
The cheaper fares, however, are only part of the promise made by the current Victorian Government.
In addition, they’ve also promised 23 new Vlocity trains running on Victorian regional networks, plus a boost in the number of train services each week.
Each of the VLocity trains takes approximately 21 months to manufacture; but, despite this length of time, promise better performance in the long term because they’re less likely to be taken offline from engine faults. Each seats 222 passengers, and has mobile-phone signal-boosting technology.
For the Loddon Mallee region, extra services to be added to current schedules include:
- Additional Saturday and Sunday night services on the Bendigo line
- Three return services on Saturday and Sunday on the Echuca line
- An extra weekday service on the Bendigo line between Castlemaine and Bendigo
A positive for the future, both socially and economically
More affordable, reliable and regular public transport is a further incentive to anyone looking to relocate or invest in the Loddon Mallee region.
In the longer term, cheaper fares may help limit the number of residents needing to relocate for employment or education. In turn, making the region more attractive for businesses that require a skilled workforce. And, should the scheme continue to grow with the right infrastructure and uptake, it can help limit congestion and pollution even as the region grows, supporting sustainable development.
