People using Victoria’s public transport system will feel it in the hip pocket with a 9 per cent rise in full myki fares on the way.
The maximum daily rate for full fare holders will jump from $9.20 to $10 and concession holders will pay $5, up from $4.60, from July 1.
The government promised to bring fares for regional Victoria into line with those in metropolitan areas in the weeks leading up to the 2022 election.
Minister Lily D’Ambrosio denied it was disingenuous to promote $9.20 fares during the campaign.
“What our commitment was very clearly is that they would be capped at the metropolitan rate,” she said on Friday.
She said the hike had been delayed by six months to help with cost-of-living pressures and fares were increased in line with the consumer price index.
Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said the rise was unexpected and charging metropolitan passengers $5 each way for a short trip was “pretty steep”.
“While a moderate rise from time to time is to be expected, a large increase of almost 9 per cent for the standard fare will sting passengers,” Mr Bowen said.
“Particularly [for] those in the suburbs where local public transport is limited to infrequent and often unreliable buses.”
Weekend and public holiday rates will also rise to $7.60 for full fare holders and $3.60 for concession holders.
– AAP
