Auditor-General reveals secret transport fare hike linked to rail loop
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Victorian public transport passengers have been paying an extra 1 per cent levy since early 2025 to help fund the Suburban Rail Loop, according to a new Victorian Auditor-General’s Office report.
The charge was included in annual fare increases linked to inflation but was not publicly identified as a separate levy. It is expected to raise about $8 billion over 37 years, with around $4.8 billion allocated to SRL East.
The first stage of the project, linking Cheltenham and Box Hill, was originally estimated to cost $34.5 billion. The government has since reduced the figure to $33.3 billion and is looking for another $1 billion in savings.
New Premier Ben Carroll has promised to find a further $2 billion in savings while keeping the project on schedule.
However, the auditor-general’s report raises concerns about delays and rising costs. The procurement process for six stations has reportedly been pushed back by about a year, while early works were completed six months late.
The audit also found that SRL East is more likely than not to exceed its publicly announced cost, with factors including contaminated soil, higher construction costs and project delays contributing to the pressure.
The project’s contingency funding is also being used heavily, despite construction still being in its early stages.
The government says the rail loop will still be delivered on time and within the revised budget.
Meanwhile, Victoria is also cutting public spending. The government plans to remove 140 senior public-sector positions, on top of hundreds of executive roles already targeted for cuts.
The developments come as the state government faces growing pressure to control debt, reduce spending and improve transparency over the cost of major infrastructure projects.
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Source : ABC News
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