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myki now valid on trams and buses

July 26th 2010

Victoria’s new public transport ticketing system, myki, will be valid for travel on Melbourne’s trams and buses from Sunday 25 July, Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula announced on Thursday. Melburnians can now choose to pay their fare across Zones 1 and 2 using myki or Metcard.

Over the coming week, card vending machines and myki check machines at large tram stops and major bus interchanges will be turned on and myki devices on trams will phase out the CitySaver ticket but passengers can still access this fare with a Metcard. People will be able to get a myki online or via the call centre and at Southern Cross Station. Work is now underway to prepare for the roll out of myki retail agents.

This step by step introduction started with regional town bus services, metropolitan trains and now trams and metropolitan buses.

Metcard will still be a valid ticket to ride until at least Easter 2011.

Vic Government Releases SmartRoads Network Operating Plans

February 25th 2010

As part of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Travel Plan, the Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas, has announced the release of the SmartRoads network operating plans.

SmartRoads is a planning tool which uses complex economic modelling to designate which modes of transport have priority on particular roads. This is designed to improve the efficiency of the metropolitan road network, reducing delays and congestion for commuters and maximise existing road space. SmartRoads will be used to guide planning into the future and encourage smarter road sharing.

A comprehensive list of Operating Plans for each metropolitan council area is available via the VicRoads website, along with an overview video and a variety of background information.

The SmartRoads network operating plans are a work in progress and are being developed by VicRoads in partnership with the Department of Transport and local governments, setting mode priorities in each municipality – with 24 local governments already indicating their support.

Updates on SmartRoads will be posted on Thinking Transport as they come to hand. A Victorian Department of Transport media release is also available with further details.

New Public Transport Minister announced.

January 20th 2010

The Premier, John Brumby, has announced Minister Martin Pakula as Victoria’s new Minister for Public Transport.

The Minister will  also retaining his role as Minister for Industrial Relations.

“Martin Pakula has forged a career in standing up for working Victorians and this will continue in his new role as Public Transport Minister,” Mr Brumby said.

“Martin has the clear priorities of being an advocate for public transport users and driving the transformation of the public transport network under our $38 billion Victorian Transport Plan."

Minister Pakula replaces Minister Lynne Kosky, who resigned on Monday 18 January for family health reasons. The changes have resulted in a minor re-shuffle of Cabinet, details of which can be found in the official Victorian Government media release.

The story is comprehensively covered by all major news services, including:

The Age; Herald Sun; ABC News

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