etc supports concessional fares for internationals

The Eastern Transport Coalition has thrown its support behind a call from the Australian Council for Private Education (ACPET) for concession fares for international students.

Integrated and affordable public transport is crucial to the continued growth of the eastern region. Education, particularly tertiary education, is a key industry in the region and good public transport options are crucial to its continued strength.

ACPET have just released a paper which shows that 89% of international students surveyed would not recommend studying in Victoria because of the lack of public transport assistance. The report estimated that paying full fare added around $30 per week to the living costs of overseas students.

The ETC and communities in Melbourne's east have lobbied for years for integrated and affordable public transport to ease congestion and provide better links to activity hubs, tertiary institutions and other facilities.

According to Regional Development Australia, international education is Victoria's highest export, valued at more than $5.5billion in 2010. Modelling carried out by ACPET estimated that the cost of providing international student concessions would be $93million a year.

Inadequate public transport is a major challenge for students in Melbourne's east, particularly international students, and requires significant investment in the coming years.