Editing Metcard (section)

==Zones and fares==
[[File:Metcard 10 x 2 hour Melbourne 2005.jpg|thumb|Multiple-use Metcards for 10 trips were also available]]
Metcard tickets function within a zonal system.  Melbourne is divided into two zones: Zone 1 (Yellow) and Zone 2 (Blue). Until early 2007, there was also a Zone 3 (Red), but this was abolished by extending Zone 2 to all areas covered by Zone 3. The two zones form concentric rings, with Zone 1 comprising the inner suburbs, and Zone 2 covering the remainder of metropolitan Melbourne. Zone 3 covered the outer eastern, southern and south-eastern metropolitan area, but this area is now part of Zone 2.  Zone overlap areas exist on the borders of the zones. In these areas tickets for either zone are acceptable. The fare payable depends on the zone or zones in which the passenger travels, with higher fares for trips that include both travel zones<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares_tickets/metropolitan_fares_and_tickets/metropolitan_zones |title=Metropolitan zones – Metlink – Your guide to public transport in Melbourne and Victoria |publisher=Metlink|accessdate=26 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719074514/http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/fares_tickets/metropolitan_fares_and_tickets/metropolitan_zones |archivedate=19 July 2008}}</ref>

A separate fare and ticketing system exists for [[V/Line]] (country) services. However, since April 2006 holders of V/Line tickets to Melbourne have had access to both Zone 1 and 2 without needing to purchase another ticket. V/Line tickets to Zone 2 stations are valid for Zone 2 only.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vline.com.au/fares/fares/vline_metlink_integration.html |title=V/Line: V/Line & Metlink ticket integration |publisher=[[V/Line]]|accessdate=26 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720034359/http://www.vline.com.au/fares/fares/vline_metlink_integration.html |archivedate=20 July 2008}}</ref> Fares in most towns just outside Melbourne were also aligned to Zone 2 Metcard prices as part of this integration.<ref name=inter/>

A range of tickets was available, including two-hour, all-day, weekly, monthly and annual tickets. There were also concession tickets for students, seniors and others. In 2010, a daily Zone 1 and 2 full-fare (as distinct from concession fare) ticket cost [[Australian dollar|A$]]2.70, and a weekly Zone 1 and 2 ticket cost [[Australian dollar|A$]]10.40. Prices generally rise by inflation ([[Consumer price index|CPI]]) on 1 January each year, though there have been occasional higher than CPI increases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/public-transport-fares-to-rise/2007/11/28/1196036950574.html |title=Public transport fares to rise – National – theage.com.au |date=28 November 2007 |author=Stephen Moynihan |work=[[The Age]] |location=Australia |accessdate=26 March 2008 |archive-date=11 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211102734/http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/public-transport-fares-to-rise/2007/11/28/1196036950574.html |url-status=live }}</ref>