Proposal for FREE tram transport in CBD + more..
Just read this article and listened to the audio:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/state-government-plans-ove…
Seems very interersting. What do people think?
Cheers,
Proposal for FREE trams transport in Melbourne CBD
coolhead on 26/03/2014 - 10:10
Comments
There is actually is a proposed decrease in fares, with Zone 2 looking to be abolished, and a flat rate be imposed for all metro areas. However, the annual 'inflationary' rise in the price of a fare will obviously be imposed at the time of induction. Furthermore, I'm not sure how the government will justify and equate the $100m offset being proposed…
Worse off: Those who currently travel solely in zone 2 will now pay zone 1 only fares
Not getting any advantage: Those who currently travel solely in Zone one but from or to outside the CBD/Docklands.
I'm in this latter category. I already travel from the suburbs into the city, so if I take the tram at lunchtime or after work before heading home, it costs me no extra to do so currently anyway.
I guess it also at least would stop those people driving to the last zone 1 station, which will help with parking situations at those stations.
IMO we should just move to distance based fares, e.g. $1-2 plus 10c per stop or something along those lines.
Apparently Napthine still wants to keep Zone 1 + 2 distinctions, such that those who travel only in Zone 2 still get the benefit of the cheaper fare.
I wonder how many people in Melbourne actually do that, though? If you were just going from one outer-suburban hole to another, why not drive?
More investment instead please.
Less:
Track faults
Train/AirCon faults
Signal faults
Promises to improve public transport that never get fulfilled (oh look, an election year)More:
Grade separation
Actual tracks/tunnels constructed instead of endless feasibility studies
1 zone should always be free, whichever zone you get on.
Eg: If you live in Zone 6 and want to go to the local shops etc, it's a free ride (thereby leaving your car at home)This will also get people used to catching public transport, and a bonus for pensioners, school kids who dont go far.
As people "venture" into the next zone, they begin to pay when they get off. And hopefully they'll then become better aquainted to using public transport = less cars on the road, less roads to build etc. = more money for public transport.
Can I ask what will be done to keep the heavy commercial vehicles off the road, they really bugger up transport routes. Bring back better rail links to carry all the heavy stuff? Except commercial interests may stymie that idea. JoyV
As a recent tourist to your fine city, I for one welcome this change. Perth buses are free within the CBD (or within the Free Transport Zone) and it as worked out just fine for us. Great for tourists and for people who need to get from one side of the CBD to another.
In related news, what's with the hook turns? that just freaked me out.
We've always had the free city circle tram, as a tourist will you know exactly when the free zone ends and when you could get a fine? Most will still need to figure out how to use a myki.
Hook turns, they're cause of the trams!
Victorian election is end of November. This program is promised to start Jan 1. Governments (and opposition gov) around election will promise everything and deliver nothing.
Is it a good proposal? Not really as it will mean increased fares and $100m less funding for PT.