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VIC fare evasion low

The rate of fare evasion on Melbourne’s public transport network is at lowest in five years

The fare evasion rate across Melbourne’s public transport network is at its lowest level in five years dropping below 9 per cent for the first time since 2008. 

The October 2013 survey shows a drop in fare evasion rates has been recorded across all metropolitan modes of public transport.

The rate of fare evasion on buses dropped 4.8 per cent to 11.2 per cent. 

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has worked with transport operators to target fare evaders at known hotspots.

“We have also introduced myki top up on board buses and given particular focus to communicating the benefits of auto top up, and these have in part contributed to the significant drop in fare evasion rates on trams and buses,” he says.

“But, the fare evasion rate is still too high, and the 91 per cent of passengers who travel with a valid ticket rightly expect other passengers to pay their way.”

To coincide with the release of the October 2013 fare evasion survey data, PTV also released its 2014 Network Revenue Protection Plan which will aim to further reduce the rate of fare evasion.

Public Transport Victoria Chief Executive Officer and Chair Ian Dobbs says increasing the impact of Authorised Officers is about checking more tickets, more often and in more targeted ways.

“PTV will continue to work with operators to drive down fare evasion by delivering improved strategies at ticket barriers, more ticket checks at tram stops and improved bus driver vigilance and off-vehicle ticket checking at public transport hubs,” says Dobbs.

“The introduction of on the spot penalty fares will allow Authorised Officers to process offences quickly and efficiently and allow them to check more tickets and catch more fare evaders.”

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