MEDIA RELEASE

Cheaper Public Transport, More Services and Safer Travel for Monbulk Residents

Monbulk residents will save significant money on public transport this year, with cheaper fares, more frequent train services and improved safety on the network rolling out across the Hills.

With the cost of fuel and everyday essentials continuing to place pressure on household budgets, the State Government is reducing the cost of commuting and making public transport a more affordable option for local families.

Public transport will remain free until the end of May, followed by half-price fares from 1 June through to the end of the year.

From June, a full daily fare will cost $5.70 to travel anywhere across Victoria, down from $11.40. This means the regular daily commuter can save more than $850 over the rest of the year, while also easing congestion and reducing fuel demand on local roads. Reimbursements will be available for people with existing myki passes.

Public transport also remains permanently free for children and young people under 18. Seniors, Carer Card holders and people on the Disability Support Pension will continue to enjoy free PT across Victoria on weekends.

Alongside fare savings, Monbulk residents will benefit from more frequent train services, particularly during evenings when public transport demand continues to grow.

For the Hills, improvements on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines include:

• trains running every 20 minutes to the end of the line on weekday evenings, instead of every 30 minutes.
• more frequent services through the Ringwood corridor on weekday evenings, improving connections to the city.

These changes will reduce waiting times, make late-evening travel more practical, and help locals rely less on their cars.

As more people choose public transport, additional new trains will also help ease crowding and improve comfort, especially during busy periods.

Importantly, safety on public transport is also being strengthened, with a greater Protective Services Officer (PSO) presence rolling out across the network.

Additional PSOs will be deployed using a new intelligence-led approach designed by Victoria Police, including earlier patrol start times, greater movement across stations, and patrols on trains and around station precincts. This expanded presence is designed to improve safety for people travelling during the day, in the evenings and late at night.

Quotes attributable to Daniela De Martino, Member for Monbulk

“Cheaper public transport puts money back in the pockets of Monbulk families at a time when every dollar counts.”

“More frequent evening services on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines will make it easier for locals to get home safely and sooner, helping more people choose the train instead of driving.”

“By combining fare savings, better services and a stronger safety presence, we are making public transport a more affordable and reliable choice for people across our community.”