[kimburgess]

Potential competitor: North (Gympie) to South (Varsity Lakes) on Brisbane Australia’s ‘inner city’ train network. 260km (160 miles) for AU$20 (£10.50) - cheaper off peak or with concession. Buses also extend this further in each direction using the same ticket.

[ouchjars]

Sydney trains have a more forgiving fare structure for this purpose. Scone to Bomaderry or Goulburn is at most $8.86 for over 300 km straight-line distance.