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National

Victorian opposition pledges to cap public transport fares at $2 a day

The Victorian opposition has promised to cap public transport fares at $2 a day for most commuters if it is elected at next month's election.

The dramatic reduction in train, bus and tram fares would cost the state about $1.3 billion over four years.

Currently, zone 1 and 2 fares are capped at $9.20 a day, or $4.60 for concession holders.

The Coalition is promising to reduce that cost to $2 for full-fare holders and $1 for concession commuters.

Regional V/Line services would not be covered by the plan.

Shadow Minister for Public Transport Danny O'Brien said the policy was aimed at local trips but suggested the opposition would have "more to say" on the cost of V/Line services.

The Coalition said the policy was independently costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office.

It is a part of the opposition's long-term economic plan, which leader Matt Guy and Shadow Treasurer David Davis have been pitching as the solution to Victoria's growing debt and major project cost blowouts.

"For many families, this will be a very significant reduction in the cost of living for them, where a number of members of that family use public transport regularly," Mr Davis said.

"This will obviously also ease congestion. It will enable people to come back on the public transport. It will make it very cost competitive."

The opposition said it also wanted the policy to entice more people back into the Melbourne CBD, which has had a patchy post-lockdown recovery.

Melbourne's trams and trains were privatised under a Liberal government in 1999.

Government announces removal of all Frankston line level crossings

Alongside health, public transport has been one of the major focuses of both the Labor Party and Liberal-National Coalition ahead of the November 26 vote.

The Suburban Rail Loop is a key point of difference, with the Coalition pledging to scrap it and its associated Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line if elected.

Labor is continuing to highlight its centrepiece level crossing removal plan, with Premier Dan Andrews spruiking the 67 removed since the project began.

He on Saturday announced the Frankston train line would be entirely free of level crossings by 2029, building on the 16 already removed and the four currently underway.

New train stations would be built at Highett, Mordialloc, Aspendale and Seaford as part of what Mr Andrews called "a really significant announcement".

Engineering advice suggested a mix of undergrounding and rail bridges. Final designs would be released after consultation with the community.

Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the cost of the project would be included in the pre-election budget update expected in coming weeks.

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