Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Northe Calls upon Committee to Fix Unfair Transport Pricing MessNorth asked corrections to the public transport ticketing system that is unfairly discriminating against Latrobe Valley commuters for years. By Portal Admin - 18th March 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe has provided a detailed submission to a Victorian Parliament inquiry titled, "Inquiry Into expanding Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone" which will include the consideration of two key points that will be relevant to many Latrobe Valley commuters.
Mr Northe’s submission focused on the following terms of reference points;
- providing free fares for all full time students
- removing fares for all Seniors Card holders
"I was more than happy to provide evidence of what is a long-term, systemic failure of a public transport pricing system that disadvantages seniors and students in our community, Mr Northe said".
"I’ve been calling upon the Government to seriously look at the public transport ticketing system that is unfairly discriminating against Latrobe Valley commuters for years", Mr Northe lamented. "We have some terribly inequitable pricing and public transport quality as compared to other regional centres – and I believe this needs to be fixed".
One example are Latrobe Valley Seniors card holders who pay higher than their counterparts in other areas of the State. "If you’re a Senior living in Melbourne you can travel from Pakenham to Melbourne for free all weekend, but if you’re a Senior living in Moe, you can’t even travel to Traralgon for free on the same weekend".
"Another group that pay more – in fact more than double what other Victorians pay – are student travellers", Mr Northe continued. "If you live in Bendigo your annual student pass will cost you $235 – but if you live in the Latrobe Valley you pay $617 – where is the equity in that?"
"What I can’t understand is, two customer groups that should be encouraged to enjoy public transport are disadvantaged to do so, but only if you live in the Latrobe Valley. I can’t understand the rationale behind this fee or zoning structure".
"I’ve raised this issue in Parliament and with various Ministers over many years, to no avail.
I’m placing hope now in the Committee to rectify this long-standing issue and finally provide fair and equitable fares for Latrobe Valley commuters", Mr Northe concluded.
Details on the committee’s inquiry can be found at: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/eiclc/inquiry/975
Mr Northe’s submission
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026. - Danny O’Brien calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers. - Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector. - Reduction burn scheduled at Jepson Court Mirboo North on Friday 12 December 2025
A planned fuel reduction burn will occur at Jepson Court, Mirboo North on 12 December 2025; residents should avoid the area, take care with smoke, and follow VicEmergency updates. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options. - Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence. - Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period. - Bass Coast Council leaders advocating events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation
Bass Coast Council leaders held 12 Parliament meetings, advocating for events, infrastructure, recreation, coastal protection, public transport, and environmental conservation, seeking government support and funding for key community projects. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
|
|
