FARE evasion on the Werribee line will continue to rise unless the state government brings back ticket inspectors, says a public transport lobby group.
Public Transport Victoria data released last week reveals that 8.7 per cent of train passengers on the Werribee and Williamstown lines are taking a free ride.
The figures were compiled from a October 2012 survey across Melbourne’s public transport network.
Sandringham was the worst line for fare evasion with 12.9 per cent of passengers not paying. The South Morang and Hurstbridge lines had the lowest rates (7.1 per cent).
Public Transport Users Association president Tony Morton said while fare evasion on the Werribee line was not as high as other areas, it demonstrated the need for changes.
“We have a fare collection system that operates on honesty. Nothing will change until there are staff asking to see your ticket.”
Dr Morton said fare evasion was often higher in areas of social and economic disadvantage as people chose between buying a ticket or food.
“If you are someone who struggles to make ends meet, the cost of a ticket versus the probability of getting caught and fined for fare evading works in your favour.”
Fare evasion costs the public transport network about $61.7 million each year.
