Mastodawn

Interesting to see that some Myki readers are enabled for Tap And Go at stations included in the trial but on platforms that only serve the lines that are not included.
Seems like in the first week, it’s mostly run smoothly. Probably more customer info needed as it rolls out more widely. #Melbourne

Daniel Bowen 20h ago

Public Transport Users Assoc 21h ago

More frequent services and reduced waiting times mean more people can use public transport for more trips - important with petrol prices rising fast.
Good to see progress on this - some #Melbourne rail lines improved already; some soon. What about the others?

Daniel Bowen 1d ago

Tram platform stop at the Showgrounds was opened in early December, but 3 months later only one entrance is open... seems to be waiting for traffic light commissioning. (Also waiting for low floor trams; likely starting later this year.) #Melbourne

Daniel Bowen 1d ago

Public Transport Users Assoc 1d ago

In a railway station, where the KMart ads have prices, but the PTV fare posters don't.

QR codes can be useful, but for this? Why require people to have a smartphone and navigate the web site just to see the fares?

Daniel Bowen 2d ago

Not sure this got any attention, or even any promotion (I can't see a govt press release for instance): Victoria launched an Active Transport Plan this week.
It makes the right noises, though is arguably more of a strategy document than a plan.
It's here: https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/active-transport/victorias-active-transport-plan 🚶 🚴‍♀️ 🛴

Victoria’s Active Transport Plan

Transport Victoria

Daniel Bowen 3d ago

There’s usually a story behind warning signs. I wonder what it is for these. They’ve been popping up at a lot of gated railway stations. #Melbourne #Myki

Daniel Bowen 3d ago

Behind the headlines ("Please use PT!"; "Free PT!") the Vic Farmers Federation correctly identified that more PT services are needed to help people to switch.
It's not just about capacity, it's also about boosting frequency (especially outside peak) to make it time-competitive with driving. https://www.vff.org.au/commuters-urged-to-ditch-the-car-to-preserve-critical-farming-fuel/

Commuters urged to ditch the car to preserve critical farming fuel

Victorian farmers are urging commuters to consider swapping their car for public transport and the government to make public transport free, with the potential fuel savings helping ensure farmers can keep planting, harvesting and producing food as our fuel crisis lingers.

Victorian Farmers Federation

Daniel Bowen 3d ago

LOL https://theshovel.com.au/2026/03/18/dickhead-with-ute-taller-than-himself-not-so-smug-about-it-now/

Dickhead With Ute Taller Than Himself Not So Fucking Smug About It Now — The Shovel

An Australian man who bought an American pick-up truck the size of a two-storey townhouse because he thought it would make him look tough, has pulled his head in a little after realising he may be spending $500 a week on petrol by the end of the year.

The Shovel

Daniel Bowen 4d ago

🐣🐓🥚 Not sure how two different egg/chicken phrases got into my quotes in this story, but the main point is that having got to here, the govt should avoid rushing the rest of the project. Ensuring it works is the priority. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/18/myki-less-public-transport-for-all-passengers-2027-victorian-auditor

Myki-less public transport for all passengers won’t happen until 2027, Victorian auditor reveals

Dispute between government and US-based contractor caused 18-month delay to project, report finds

The Guardian

Daniel Bowen 4d ago

RE: https://mastodon.social/@ptua/116244189601902256

The Vic Greens are proposing free PT for a month. Good on them for talking about the issues, but this wouldn’t benefit the people most under pressure from petrol prices - those for whom PT doesn’t effectively serve their travel needs - especially in outer suburbs and regional areas.

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