Suburban Rail Loop: Victorian government secretly increased public transport fares to help pay for controversial SRL

A leaked audit reveals Victoria’s Labor government quietly introduced a hidden fare surcharge on all metropolitan and regional public transport since early 2025, diverting revenue toward major infrastructure projects like the Suburban Rail Loop. The auditor general’s report, presented in parliament, raises concerns over whether the first phase of the rail project—a 26-kilometre twin-tunnel stretch—will meet its cost or timeline targets. Critics question the transparency of the funding mechanism, which was not publicly disclosed. The findings add to growing scrutiny over the state’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure commitments.

Labor put ‘levy on all public transport fares in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria’ since January 2025, auditor general saysFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian government secretly increased public transport fares to raise money to help pay for the Suburban Rail Loop and other Big Build projects, the state’s auditor general has revealed.The auditor general’s report, tabled in parliament on Wednesday, also questioned whether the first stage of the multibillion-dollar project – a 26km stretch of twin tunnels from Cheltenham to Box Hill dubbed SRL East – can be delivered on time or within budget. Continue reading...