Victoria's auditor-general revealed the government secretly increased public transport fares to fund the Suburban Rail Loop and other projects. The report questioned the project's timeline and budget, noting that the fare levy was not publicly disclosed.
The revelation of secret fare increases and undisclosed funding methods for a major infrastructure project raises questions about government transparency and fiscal responsibility, potentially impacting public trust and the financial viability of the Suburban Rail Loop.
The Victorian government has secretly increased public transport fares to help fund the Suburban Rail Loop and other major infrastructure projects, according to a report by the state's auditor-general. The report, tabled in parliament, revealed that a 1% annual levy on all public transport fares, introduced on January 1, 2025, was not publicly disclosed by the government. This levy is projected to be the largest source of value capture revenue for the first stage of the Suburban Rail Loop, SRL East, estimated to contribute $4.8 billion in net present value. The auditor-general also raised concerns about the transparency and certainty of the project's funding, questioning whether SRL East can be delivered on time or within its budget of up to $34.5 billion. The report noted significant delays of up to six months in early works, putting the 2035 completion date at risk.
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