Call for fare go for country commuters

THE Shire of Yarra Ranges will continue to lobby the State Government for the abolition the Country Fare system, which has many Upper Yarra residents paying two fares.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan last week welcomed the announcement that the State Government’s election promise to abolish the Metlink Zone 3 fare will come into effect on 4 March.
But while Upper Yarra commuters will benefit from the decrease in ticket prices, those travelling past Woori Yallock still have to pay an additional fare.
The shire has called for a further examination of equity issues and affordability of public transport for those residents impacted by the dual fare system.
Cr Terry Avery, the shire’s representative on the Eastern Transport Coalition, said the system was impractical and impacted on those who could least afford it.
He called for the Zone 2 public transport ticket to be extended to Warburton East.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato also welcomed the abolition of Zone 3, saying it was a disadvantage and a disincentive for anybody living or working in the zone to use public transport.
She said while it had been an issue for successive governments, she was pleased it was the Bracks Government which had delivered.
Ms Lobato supported the shire’s call for the removal of the Country Fare.
“I have been lobbying for the past four years for the abolition of the Country Fare, which I see as a further disadvantage to people living in outer areas, and I will continue to lobby,” she said.