This morning I was interviewed briefly by Red Symons on ABC 774 in regard to the removal of zone three fares. The abolition of zone three has definitely removed one of the major pricing inequities facing public transport in Melbourne’s east and southeast.
This benefit however, in making public transport more affordable, will not be fully realised until Melbourne’s outer suburbs are provided with a level of service that encourages public transport usage. While the status quo of infrequent services and buses that do not meet trains remains, public transport will continue to remain uncompetitive to car travel.
The government must now take the next step and improve the level of public transport services to complement the removal of zone three.