Join Rod’s calls for Fair Go Tolls for private utes

Join Rod in calling on the State Government to review tolling classes for privately owned utes and cab chassis and give active families a fair go!

TOLLS: Fair go on tolls for families blocked again

The Andrews Labor Government and Liberal Party members joined forces in parliament yesterday to once again block attempts by Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton to make tolling fairer for families and public transport users.

Barton asks state ministers to save local TV

Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton has asked the Andrews Government to intervene and save the broadcast licence for community television station Channel 31. 

Successful ATO review of fairness fund payments

We’ve had news this week of a former licence holder who has had a successful review of the tax liability on their fairness fund payment classed as capital rather than income and is now due to receive a tax refund.

Truck driver raises safety concerns to parliamentary inquiry into Victoria’s road toll

Submissions from a B-double truck driver and his wife to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Victoria’s increasing road toll have raised a number of interesting questions about existing requirements for truck drivers.

PETITION – Ongoing licence for community television

JOIN THE PETITION asking Victoria’s Minister for Creative Industries and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs to intervene in the federal decision not to renew Channel 31’s broadcasting licence beyond 30 June 2020.

Fairness matters – keep local television on air

Channel 31 is due to be axed at the end of June, but we can see no reason why we would scrap a local television service that is still being used and enjoyed, that is sustaining itself, and is so obviously needed and valued by the community.

Coronavirus Update – 1 May 2020 – Keeping Victoria Together during coronavirus

To help keep Victorians connected – and help keep our creators creating – the Victorian Government has launched Victoria Together, a new online portal showcasing the best our state has to offer from live music and comedy, to the amazing animals at Melbourne Zoo.

Open letter to CPV industry stakeholders

Yesterday the Minister for Transport, Melissa Horne, requested that I join a Parliamentary Advisory Panel with Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Steve Dimopoulos, to create a set of Covid-19 support recommendations to take to the Minister for consideration. 

Make road tolls fairer for taxis and essential workers

From the end of June taxi tolls of up to $17.70 per day will no longer apply, instead drivers will pay tolls based on the gantry points they pass under, just like any other CityLink customer, with full toll costs passed on to customers.

Coronavirus Update – 27 April 2020

Coronavirus update – Up to 100,000 Victorians will be tested for coronavirus over the next two weeks as part of a major testing blitz across the State.

Victoria taxi package missing

Victoria’s taxi industry is on the verge of collapse says Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton, and he is pushing for the state government to step in to keep drivers on the roads.

COVID-19 UPDATE – 20 April 2020 – Modelling confirms staying at home saves lives

New state-based modelling shows staying at home and other physical distancing requirements are working to slow the spread of coronavirus, saving thousands of Victorian lives.

Delays on north east link acquisitions

A respite for residents and businesses waiting for compulsory acquisition notices from the North East Link Authority could be a blessing for some and a challenge for others according to Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Easter message from Rod

I want to wish everyone in the Eastern Metro electorate, the commercial passenger vehicle industry that I support and the wider Victorian communities a very happy and safe Easter weekend at home. 

CPV fees dropped and trip levy under review

Permit fees for commercial passenger vehicles and drivers will be waived and the $1 trip levy is under review following pressure from national industry group Transport Alliance Australia and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

Knox community building program starts online during isolation

During these challenging times of social isolation a great new project in Knox to involve already isolated people in  community activities has had to be innovative in its approach. 

Support needed to keep essential taxis working

A support package to keep taxi drivers working is essential to maintain transport options for Victoria’s elderly, disabled and vulnerable according to Eastern Metro MP and Transport Matters Party leader Rod Barton.

“Drivers have had it tough for the last few years and for many this will be the last…

Network moves to keep essential taxis on the road

A move by Silver Top Taxi to lower network fees to support taxi drivers will keep this essential service on the road according to Transport Matters Party leader and Eastern Metro MP Rod Barton.

Request to suspend Uber MPTP trial

Today I asked the Minister to suspend the Uber trial of MPTP in Geelong until it can be opened to all operators under the same safety and training requirements.

Action plan for CPV

Don’t wait until it’s too late. There are rough times ahead but there are some things drivers can do now to help them through these tough times.

Unfair cross-border Taxi regulations

I ask the minister to review the new cross-border CPV rules that allow New South Wales operators to register and operate in Victoria for the low cost accreditation fee.

Requests for Covid-19 support for taxi industry

The taxi industry is at the coal face when it comes to arrivals into Australia and the risks associated with close social contact during this Covid-19 crisis. This week Rod has written to the Premier and asked in Parliament for support for drivers who are ill or must self isolate. With no sick pay and…