Millions of Victorians have been unknowingly paying a hidden public transport fee for more than a year, with the undisclosed charge linked to the funding of the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop, an audit has revealed.
The finding raises serious questions about transparency in how the state government has approached financing one of Australia's most ambitious and costly infrastructure projects. Commuters appear to have been slugged with the concealed levy without any public announcement or clear disclosure.
It is understood the fee has been in place for over a year, meaning a significant portion of Victoria's population may have been contributing to the megaproject without their knowledge. The audit's findings are expected to intensify scrutiny of the Suburban Rail Loop's overall cost and funding arrangements.
