By Marissa Calligeros
Public Transport Victoria is standing firm in its decision to close the gates at Richmond Station after AFL matches at the MCG, telling punters to have their myki cards at the ready.
The station's gates were previously left open to let through large crowds after AFL matches, but PTV has decided to leave them closed, requiring commuters to touch on their mykis before passing through the turnstiles.
Crowds of people line up at Richmond station as fans are forced to swipe their myki cards.Credit: Meredith O'Shea
The decision has caused ire among punters since the beginning of the football season, and many of whom have taken to social media to complain of long queues.
But PTV has refused to bow to public pressure, simply telling punters to be better prepared.
Queues at Richmond Station.Credit: Meredith O'Shea
In a statement released on Thursday, PTV told football-goers to have a "pre-game plan" for their train travel.
"Ensure you have a valid myki for travel; check your myki balance before game day; top up your myki immediately at over 800 retail outlets and train stations," PTV said.
"Remember, if your myki has a negative balance you won't be able to get through the gates at Richmond Station.
"We want you to get to [and from] the ground quickly and easily to support your team. You can help by ensuring that your myki is topped up in advance."
Fans going to the MCG at the weekend will not pay more than $6 for all day travel, but only if they are travelling across zones 1 and 2, PTV said.
Two matches, including the blockbuster clash between Carlton and Essendon, will be held at the MCG this weekend, possibly attracting close to 80,000 fans. Collingwood will play St Kilda at 7.50pm on Friday, while Carlton and Essendon will take to the field at 1.45pm on Saturday.
Public transport is free on game days for AFL ticket holders in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as a result of integrated ticketing systems, where bus, train, tram and ferry fares are accounted for in the overall match ticket price.
Earlier this week, PTV director of customer experience Alan Fedda said the new turnstile regime had been a success, although queues to Richmond Station had stretched for 35 metres last weekend.
"What we found ... was that we got the customers through the gates much quicker than we did at the same time last year," Mr Fedda told radio station 3AW.
"We got customers through straight after the siren; within 41 minutes, all crowds had cleared and had gotten on the additional train services."
The PTV said the move was made to regulate the flow of people through the gates and curb fare evasion, which costs the transport authority more than $50 million a year.
Metro staff at the station would be able to throw the gates open at any point if safety became a concern, the PTV said.
Public Transport Victoria's 'Gate Guide'
To enter and exit the station as quickly as possible, make sure you have your myki in hand ready to touch on as you approach the gates.
Consider using the station entrance that is closest to your platform. Fans using MCG gates 1, 2, 6 and 7 can use Jolimont Station or walk across footbridges to the Olympic Boulevard entrance of Richmond Station.
Fans using MCG gates 3, 4 and 5 can use Jolimont Station or access Richmond Station via the Brunton Avenue and Stewart Street entrances.
- with Patrick Hatch