The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking public comment on its draft pricing report for public transport, with an annual five per cent increase for single fares among the proposed changes.
IPART has also made recommendations to increase the number of discounted fares available to passengers.
“Currently there are discounts for heavy public transport users, including 50 per cent off after eight trips in a week, and a $50 weekly cap,” IPART said.
“New passes should be introduced for passengers travelling three to four days a week that are discounted compared to the single fare,” it said.
IPART recommended the introduction of off-peak fares for bus and light rail, which would reduce infrastructure costs over the long term by encouraging passengers to travel outside of peak times.
“To encourage efficient delivery and operation of the network, travel passes should be introduced so that passengers pay the same regardless if they travel on train, bus or light rail,” it said.
The Tribunal also recommended that lower fare options be available for healthcare card holders.
IPART said the implementation of all draft recommendations would increase the average fare by around 2.5 per cent each year.
It said recommendations had been determined by: how demand for public transport had changed in recent years; external benefits and costs of public transport use; the cost of providing public transport and the need for greater efficiency to reduce those costs; the affordability of public transport fares; and how ticketing technology had changed and could be used to provide a broader range of different transport fare options.
The 22-page draft report can be accessed at this PS News link.
