SkyBus gone up again [Up to $23.90 one way]

[Moopere]

Like they do in Japan

Or HKG. They have an 'octopus' card, or something over there. You can buy almost anything with it - food, drink, transport. Its basically a debit card that you just charge and buy ... well, nearly anything. Seems to be a similar thing going on in BKK, I forget whats it called over there I never really got into it - but it boils down to one card to rule them all pretty much.

 

[scwappy]

Or HKG. They have an 'octopus' card, or something over there. You can buy almost anything with it - food, drink, transport. Its basically a debit card that you just charge and buy ... well, nearly anything. Seems to be a similar thing going on in BKK, I forget whats it called over there I never really got into it - but it boils down to one card to rule them all pretty much.

The problem with BKK is there are separate cards required for BTS, Airportlink and MRT. The rabbit card used on the BTS can be used and topped up at many stores around the city. It's very handy.

 

[sezza]

If anyone is interested, skybus have a special offer: $5 off Skybus Tickets When Paying with Masterpass. Just use discount code MASTERPASS
Its for a limited time only but doesn't show an exact end date.

https://www.skybus.com.au/offers/save-with-masterpass/

Makes a one way ticket $13 for adults

 

[JessicaTam]

Another incentive to not take the SkyBus:

I travelled to Melbourne this morning with VLine from Warrnambool. One hour of metro bus/train/tram is included after arriving at Southern Cross. It took me 1h10 from when I got off the train to arriving at MEL, and no Myki required.

 

[Melburnian1]

...I travelled to Melbourne this morning with VLine from Warrnambool. One hour of metro bus/train/tram is included after arriving at Southern Cross. It took me 1h10 from when I got off the train to arriving at MEL, and no Myki required.

True, and if you have a return V/Line paper ticket from say Warrnambool (or used a myki from say Geelong, Traralgon, Seymour or Bendigo) you get all day metropolitan rail, tram and bus travel (unlimited transfers) included at no extra cost, plus in some rural cities (not that many use it) free local bus travel, for example in Geelong, or Ballarat (but not Warrnambool: don't ask me why!)

Skybus is overpriced and while it's not its fault, the roadworks on the Tullamarine Freeway and so on with consequent lower speed limits for all vehicles do not help.

 

[jetpack]

The other day I saw couples queuing up to buy tickets at the Skybus office at Southern Cross. Couldn't help but think that they would be better off teaming up and sharing a taxi. It'd be quicker and cheaper.

 

[TomVexille]

The other day I saw couples queuing up to buy tickets at the Skybus office at Southern Cross. Couldn't help but think that they would be better off teaming up and sharing a taxi. It'd be quicker and cheaper.

uber has proven to be cheaper than skybus for us as a couple

 

[travelislife]

Used the train to Broadmeadows then 901 bus change on Friday afternoon, had great connections. Makes sense when the traffic is a shocker on the tullamarine. It is a disgrace that we have outsourced the skybus route to a private company. It could easily have been integrated in to the public transport system even with a slightly premium fare. Why are airports viewed as a 'special' destination in this country? Why are they any different to going to a shopping centre?

 

[Mattg]

Why are airports viewed as a 'special' destination in this country? Why are they any different to going to a shopping centre?

I agree with your sentiment, but I guess at the end of the day nobody would pay $19 to catch a bus to the shops. As long as people continue paying for the Skybus, they will continue charging these ridiculous prices.

I do think it's a joke that SkyBus advertises itself as a "budget" option.

 

[QF WP]

I'm almost tempted to try the Broadmeadows train + 901 bus on my next rip in 3 weeks - if only I was confident and knew my way around MEL public transport better. I've still got a 1-way tix for the inbound sector...

I do think it's a joke that SkyBus advertises itself as a "budget" option.

Well it is compared with a taxi to/from Southern Cross - but I agree, Uber is cheaper than a taxi..

 

[gizzard]

It could easily have been integrated in to the public transport system even with a slightly premium fare.

The government feel they are already. Isn't that why they're on the PTV site and included as a default option too and also appear on the Melbourne train network map as the only airport connection with no indication that this can be done from Broadmeadows using the "proper" public transport system using the 901?

 

[whatmeworry]

Why are airports viewed as a 'special' destination in this country? Why are they any different to going to a shopping centre?

Federal Land? Private Corporations looking to bleed us dry in fees for every trip?

 

[opusman]

Federal Land? Private Corporations looking to bleed us dry in fees for every trip?

Governments flogged off the airports for short term gain. Private companies seek to maximize their return on investment. Travellers pay the price, forever.

 

[Major]

It was very busy this morning at Southern Cross. The queue was up the ramp and around the corner. It took 4 buses before I was able to board.

With that many people using this service they have no worries

 

[whatmeworry]

It was very busy this morning at Southern Cross. The queue was up the ramp and around the corner. It took 4 buses before I was able to board.

With that many people using this service they have no worries

Sounds like for that wait time it would have been quicker to jump on a train to Broady and then 901 bus to MEL.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Should have grabbed 3 people Nearby and split a cab or uber with them . Would end up cheaper

 

[Major]

Should have grabbed 3 people Nearby and split a cab or uber with them . Would end up cheaper

I had already pre purchased a return ticket ( Velocity points )

 

[OZDUCK]

Governments flogged off the airports for short term gain. Private companies seek to maximize their return on investment. Travellers pay the price, forever.

As little time as I have for most politicians, it is good to see that both sides of politics are agreed on completing the new Perth Airport Rail link, due to open in 2020. It will be part the suburban rail network with about a 20 min. trip to Perth Central. And, almost as surprising fares will be at "normal" rates and not with an "Airport Tax" on top.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

My last two trips on SkyBus I have noticed the bus waited much longer at the airport until there was standing room only - both times I had boarded first and got a seat but if I was made to stand what am I paying $19 for? They used to run like clockwork regardless of how many on board but if they start filling buses to max including standing room they can get stuffed!

 

[QF WP]

A slight aside as I have purchased a return at the higher prices, used the inbound but a generous soul at my Conference allowed me to ride in his Limo so I still have the return to use. Can I use it for either trip (in or out) on my next trip to MEL (understand about 6 month validity) or do I need to purchase a one way Airport to Southern Cross and use the unused return for my eventual return to MEL?

not too fussed if I have to burn the return...

Yes, you can use it either way.

Damn, looks like I'll be burning $19 as my previously planned trip to MEL 3 weeks ago was cancelled by the fog and I doubt I'll get back there before the expiry date of the return journey (27 June).

Oh well, the limo ride was better than a Skybus would have been