Victorians will see cheaper fares on V/Line train trips from late March in a move that is eagerly anticipated by regional councils.

Prior to the November state election, both major political parties promised to slash regional train prices if elected.

A promise from the Labor government will come into effect in three months' time, which will include a cap to the daily travel cost anywhere in the state at $9.20, bringing regional fares in line with Metro Melbourne daily rate fares.

It's a welcome reprieve for commuters, with paper ticket fares reaching as high as $46.00 for one-way journeys in certain regional areas.

In 2007 V/Line reported a surge in customers using the train services after the last fare cut of 20 per cent.

The cheaper fares will come into effect from March 31.

Ballarat Convenor of the Public Transport Users Association Ben Lever says the move "is a positive one".

"The V/line fares are not competitive with driving and they're not proportional to distance travelled," Mr Lever said.

"So, there is a big leap when you leave Melbourne and get out into the regions, and the fares go up substantially.

"So there definitely is a need for a reduction."

Myki services can be used between Geelong, Ballarat Wendouree, Bendigo, Epsom, Eaglehawk, Traralgon and Seymour, but other Victorian areas still use paper tickets.

Supporting trips to regions

Currently, a daily ticket from Melbourne to Swan Hill, or vice versa, costs a public transport user as much as $46 for a full adult fare.

It is hoped the statewide fare reduction will see an influx of visitors into regional Victoria.

"I think it'll be a wonderful boost for our local tourism sector," said Warrnambool Mayor Debbie Arnott.

"Also, you're going to have a lot of people [from this region] that have medical appointments in Melbourne.

"It's going to be such a huge help for those people."

With the promise of regional Victorian events coming back full-swing after the stress of the pandemic, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Ms Arnott says the cheaper fares are vital for the growth of the regions.

"I'm hoping [it will mean] people will think: 'While we're in the regions for the [Commonwealth] Games, let's jump a train and go a little bit further,'" she said.

"Then it'll allow them to budget for a night or two's accommodation.