Ms Kosky said the average fare for travel on trams, trains and buses would rise by 2.1 per cent from 1 January next year, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase for Melbourne in the 12 months to the end of the September quarter.

“Fares are usually adjusted in January each year to reflect CPI increases, which are 1.3 per cent lower this year than the last annual adjustment,” Ms Kosky said.

“This year’s fare adjustment means shorter-term tickets such as the 2-hour or daily ticket will increase by 20 cents.

“Bulk purchase and periodical tickets such as 10x2 hour and monthly tickets will increase by between 10 cents and 80 cents a week (1.1 per cent and 2.1 per cent) while V/Line fares will go up by 2.1 per cent.”

Ms Kosky said a new 5xWeekend Daily Metcard would be introduced in April 2008 to provide greater savings and flexibility to weekend travellers.

“The new 5xWeekend Daily is an extension of the popular Sunday Saver and will allow people to purchase five days of Saturday and Sunday travel on the one Metcard, saving time and money,” she said.

“5xWeekend Daily card holders can enjoy five days of unlimited weekend travel anywhere on the metropolitan network for $14.50, which works out to just $2.90 a day. This is great news for people who regularly head into the city on a weekend, or even for occasional weekend travellers.”

Ms Kosky said the Brumby Government was continuing to work to improve public transport accessibility and affordability across Victoria.

“We have removed Zone 3, slashing fares by up to 50 per cent for passengers living in outer suburban areas such as Dandenong, Frankston and Ringwood and cut fares on V/Line services by an average of 20 per cent,” she said.

“We are also trialling an ‘Early Bird’ ticket on the Frankston and Sydenham train lines, providing free travel for early morning commuters who arrive at their destination by 7am. If successful this initiative will be rolled-out across the metropolitan train system.

“In addition, we have brought Melbourne’s Nightrider bus network online with the Metcard system, introduced a new timetable delivering an extra 200 services across the network each week, and delivered metropolitan train services to Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn, providing people living in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs with better public transport.

“These initiatives combined with strong investment in new trains and extra V/Line carriages are all part of the Brumby Government’s ongoing commitment to help Victorians get the most out of their public transport system.”

The annual changes to fares are linked to inflation under the Government’s agreements with public transport operators.

“Sunday Saver tickets will go up slightly in price from $2.50 to $2.90, but greater flexibility with the new 5xWeekend Daily means greater overall savings,” Ms Kosky said.

“The Sunday Saver has not increased in price since it was announced in December 2004 and the 5xWeekend Daily will deliver savings not just on Sunday, but all weekend long. Seniors with a valid Seniors Sunday Pass can continue to enjoy free travel on a Sunday too.”

Ms Kosky encouraged travellers to save time and money by purchasing their tickets in bulk.

“Good options are the 10x2hr or 5xWeekend Daily Metcards for infrequent travellers, or weekly, monthly and yearly tickets for regular commuters, she said.

For more information, please visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au or call 131 638.