Labor and Coalition Trade Transport Pledges Amid Watchdog Scrutiny of Melbourne Transit

Public transport fares and rail services have become a central focus across Melbourne and Victoria following a series of new political pledges. According to The Guardian and Inner East Review, Labor has promised a $30 weekly cap for Victorian public transport as an election promise, a commitment made amid a push for free travel. Railway Supply reported that Victorian Labor pledged the $30 weekly fare cap for when half-price fares end. However, the policy has also prompted concern, with ABC News reporting that the Vic Chamber of Commerce warned over Labor's $30-a-week transport cap.

Alongside the debate over ticket prices, the Coalition has outlined its own commitments on train station staffing and V/Line services. In a statement, the Victorian Liberal Party said that Labor cut PSOs from 119 train stations, and pledged that the Liberals and Nationals will put them back. On regional rail lines, ABC News, the Herald Sun and West Vic News reported that the Victorian Liberal Nationals have promised to return V/Line passenger trains to Mildura and Horsham. According to Railway Supply, the Coalition pledged to deliver Mildura and Dimboola trains by mid-2029 in an A$51.2m plan, an initiative the Victorian Liberal Party described as reconnecting the Wimmera and Mallee by rail.

At the same time, Melbourne's transit projects and Yarra Trams are facing scrutiny over spending, contracts and conduct. The Age reported on how Metro Tunnel influencers and MP Instagram accounts set off the state's watchdog. Separately, SMH.com.au reported that $300,000 spent on coffee, together with contracts and conflicts at Yarra Trams, have spurred a whistleblower alarm. In another report concerning Yarra Trams, Nine.com.au stated that Yarra Trams employees hired strippers for a function.

Major transport and infrastructure projects also continue to move forward across Melbourne. The Tunnelling Journal reported that a second TBM has begun assembly for Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop, while travelweekly.com.au reported that Melbourne Airport unveiled international terminal expansion designs after a record September. In Melbourne's inner west, Big Rigs reported that proceeds from no-truck zone fines will fund community projects. At the state level, The Age reported that Victoria landed a $350m federal bonus to improve liveability, even as the Herald Sun reported that while $170bn has been spent on infrastructure, it has not made Victorians happy.