Early birds can train for free

EARLY morning commuters on the Pakenham line will be rewarded with free one-way travel from 31 March.
Premier John Brumby announced the expansion of the Early Bird ticket offer last week after successful trials were held on the Sydenham and Frankston lines last year.
Train users scheduled to arrive at their destination by 7am will be able to take advantage of the free travel.
Passengers can save about $1200 a year by using the Early Bird offer.
“Passengers on the Sydenham and Frankston lines have responded to the trial since it began in October last year and I’m confident that we will see a positive trend across all metropolitan train lines,” Mr Brumby said.
Government officials hope the increase in early morning travellers will take a load off the peak services in the morning.
The News reported last week that train cancellations on the Pakenham line had increased 46.5 per cent from 2006 to 2007.
“Surveys during the trial on the Sydenham and Frankston lines showed that more than a quarter of travellers using the Early Bird tickets had changed the time of their travel to take advantage of the free travel.”
Commuters will be issued with one ticket that is valid for 10 free trips before 7am.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said having the Early Bird Metcard in place across the network would boost passenger uptake.
“I am delighted that all metropolitan train users can now take advantage of Early Bird and enjoy the greater flexibility – and free travel benefits – of early morning commuting,” she said.
“Early morning travel isn’t for everybody. However, some people may find it gives them greater flexibility in starting work earlier and finishing earlier, which can have great lifestyle benefits – and of course, free travel is a great incentive in itself.”
For further information about free early morning train travel visit the www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au website.