Fare Evasion Raises Concerns on Victoria Buses

Victoria’s Myki public transport system has long faced fare evasion issues, resulting in lost revenue. According to a recent survey, compliance is about 95.5%, with bus routes and certain train stations showing higher rates of evasion, meaning roughly 4.5% of passengers do not pay fares. In some areas, fare evasion reaches 14%, highlighting the prevalence of the issue.

To address this problem, the Victorian government has increased fines; as of 2024, the penalty for not having a valid ticket is AUD 296, among the highest globally. In addition to higher fines, the government has strengthened inspections and monitoring, adding more ticket inspectors and card readers in evasion hotspots.

However, high fines have raised concerns among social welfare groups, who argue that they disproportionately affect low-income or vulnerable groups and can punish occasional mistakes. Experts suggest that fines and inspections alone cannot solve the problem; improving the quality and convenience of public transport is a more sustainable solution. Accordingly, the Victorian government plans to launch a new contactless payment system in early 2026, allowing passengers to pay via bank card, mobile phone, or smartwatch without a Myki card. More card readers will also be installed statewide to support this transition.