The State Government has announced V/Line train and bus fares will rise an average 8.6 per cent from January 1, 2012.
The increase will also apply to myki, Metcards and regional town buses.
Commuters ‘can save money purchasing a 10-52 week ticket (date-to-date fare) for $65.40 a week, which represents $6.54 a trip for most travellers’, V/Line said.
Despite the increase, fares to short distance locations including Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour and Traralgon still remain cheaper than 2005 prices following a 20 per cent fare cut in 2007.
Fares to longer distance locations including Warrnambool, Ararat, Swan Hill, Echuca, Shepparton, Albury and Bairnsdale remain cheaper than 2000 prices.
Other changes to occur in 2012 include a change in the amount of time customers have to claim compensation.
From February 1 claims for compensation will need to be made up to 60 days from the issue of V/Line’s performance results.
The change brings V/Line in line with other Victorian transport operators that include Metro and Yarra Trams.
