Re: Tram Announcements: another Victorian election conspiracy theory

["Michael Walker" <walker@hotkey.net.au>]

>The licence to operate the tram system is privatised. As far as I know
>the trams and trains are still owned by the government. Sort of shoots
>that argument in the foot. I pay my money for my ticket honestly. How
>that money is divided up between the companies does not concern me.
>I don't think they would have much of a legal position if they tried
>to kick me off.
>regards,


Without entering into the argument as to whether it is good or not good to
re-validate, a few points need correcting here:

1. The trams are owned by the private companies, they are NOT owned by the
state government. The state government handed over ownership of the trams at
no cost to the companies which in turn at the end of their contract must
hand the trams in their possession at the time back to the government.
Question to be asked is what is stopping the companies selling the trams
just before the time of the contract is up?

2. The companies are perfectly entitled to not only throw you off for not
revalidating but to fine you as well. You will find the revised Public
Transport Act at www.dpc.vic.gov.au (then use the search for the relevant
legislation)