Monthly Tickets

From the 29th October 1988, the M.T.A offered a simplified range of 5 different types of monthly tickets which could be purchased on any day. These replaced the range of 20 neighborhood monthlies that had been supplied only for each calendar month and which were not available for individual neighborhood travel, except the inner. As well, the requirement to carry a photocard and fill out an application form was dispensed with as the new monthlies were now held at railway stations as running issues.

This simplified range of monthlies were a good idea and catered for all possible travel requirements. Each one was also available at a concession fare, an advantage to students who may not have been eligible for a student pass. The "Inner plus One" and "Two Adjoining Outer" tickets alone did away with 18 of the old neighbourhood combination tickets.

It is interesting to note that for ease of understanding, the term "Outer" was used to describe all neighbourhoods outside of the Inner area; whereas, strictly speaking, only the Ringwood, Dandenong and Frankston were outer neighbourhoods. Commuters were quick to realize the benefits of the new monthlies which were promoted in a double panel leaflet and double sided handbill.