By Tyler Wright
Puffing Billy Railway has confirmed it has scrapped the discounted locals passes for those who live in the area.
Puffing Billy CEO Peter Abbott said the railway is in the process of transitioning the Locals Pass to an “all-new” Annual Pass.
“Unlike the Locals Pass, which was limited to residents within a 10 km radius of Puffing Billy Railway, the Annual Pass will be open to all individuals, giving everyone the opportunity to travel with us as many times as they like throughout the year,” Mr Abbott said.
A purchase of the Annual Pass will secure an adult a year of unlimited rides for an adult 16 years and older for $124, and $62 for a child from four to 15 years of age.
A concession pass will cost $100, with a family of two adults and two children set back $310, compared to the Locals Pass which gave locals who lived in the area a ticket at $90 for an adult, $47 for a child, $72 for concession and $230 for a family yearly.
It is understood the Annual Pass reflects two general excursion trips each year from Belgrave Station to Emerald Lakeside, while the Locals Pass included the cost of one and a half general excursion trips per year per ticket type for the same trip.
Mr Abbott said the benefits of the Annual Pass will mirror those of the Locals Pass, offering pass holders “unlimited travel” on Puffing Billy Railway excursion train journeys and “exclusive discounts” at the attraction’s food and beverage and retail outlets.
“Additionally, Annual Pass holders will be able to conveniently purchase their passes and reserve tickets through a new online portal, ensuring a seamless and secure booking process,” he said.
Opening in 1900, the popular tourist attraction carrying hundreds of thousands of passengers each year, despite a significant dip in patronage in 2020-2021 due to Covid-19 public health closures.
Gaye Preen, who grew up in the Dandenongs, said there should be an “overhaul” of prices for locals.
“I as a child and adult prior to moving to the South coast NSW always took a ride on PB [Puffing Billy] to me this was a calming experience for me.. you could just purchase a ticket and enjoy.. think that fun of just turning up has long gone,” Ms Preen said.
“I think there booking system is all wrong. I had never heard of locals pass…but think what a great idea it is.. and why not…locals are important not everyone can afford the ride as the prices are out of reach for the normal family…($200)… if they would bring back (locals pass) so the local can take their grandkids or themselves on a memorable ride through the Dandenong Ranges would be great.
“Since living in NSW and people ask whats good where we came from…I say everything… and what and where to visit I always say Puffing Billy… there are a lot of people that still haven’t heard of this and some [they] do but say it is too expensive.
“[I] think seriously PB needs an overhaul of pricing for locals… perhaps show where they live to get a discounted price a 40 per cent or something similar off the ticket price…they would be great for the locals.”
According to Mr Abbott, the purpose of both passes is to “provide the purpose of both passes is to provide an affordable option for the Victorian community who want to travel more than twice a year”.
He said all existing Local Pass benefits will be honoured until their expiry date.
“We look forward to sharing further information on the Annual Pass soon and welcoming both new and existing Locals Pass holders to enjoy the benefits,” he said.
