The Andrews Labor Government is capping regional daily fares at the same price as a metro daily fare from 31 March – making public transport affordable & accessible for all Victorians.

If you’re considering taking public transport to connect with family or friends, or to travel for events, shopping, appointments, or employment, then the choice is now that much simpler.

Ballarat residents can benefit from cheaper travel when travelling around our town, visiting other areas of regional Victoria, or making the trip to Melbourne & back. Our local businesses will be glad as well, because now it’s easier than ever for other Victorians to visit Ballarat.

How much are the newly-reduced regional fares?

We’re capping the cost of a daily ticket on the regional Victorian network at $9.20 for a full fare, and $4.60 for a concession – the same price as a metro daily fare.

That equals a huge almost-80 percent saving for a daily peak from Ballarat.

And if you’re a regular public transport user, then you’ll be glad to know that fares for regional myki passes are reducing as well. You’ll pay the Melbourne rate of just $46 per 7-day pass, or $5.52 per day for a longer 28 – 365 day pass.

Additionally, we’re extending the Weekend Saver cap for travel on Victoria’s regional network – meaning that on weekends and public holidays, your daily myki Money fare is capped at $6.70 (or $3.35 with concession).

When does this start?

Now! The new capped fares were implemented as of 31 March 2023.

Where does this apply?

PTV regional buses, town buses, and V/Line trains & coaches will all be covered by the daily regional fare cap – which applies to all public transport operated by or on behalf of the Victorian Government within the state of Victoria, where myki or paper ticketing applies.

How else is regional public transport improving?

The recently-completed Ballarat Line Upgrade delivered 135 extra weekly services for Ballarat, as well as improvements to our stations – including a new  local bus terminal at Ballarat station, and a second platform and additional car parking at Wendouree station.

On the Ballarat line there’s now 144 new services every week compared to 2014. We’ll also be investing $207 million over four years to increase the frequency of weekend services on major regional Victorian train lines, while the $1.75 billion Regional Rail Revival program, a joint initiative of the Australian and Victorian governments, will also upgrade every regional passenger train line in Victoria.

Get more information about the new cheaper fares – or read more about how we’re improving regional rail.