v/line tickets were aligned with the metcard system in april 2006, with each v/line ticket to stations in the metcard area having the relevant zones printed on them. in march 2007 the nightrider bus service was also brought under the metcard system. zone 3 was removed from the metcard system (and merged into zone 2) on march 4 2007, due to a state election promise made by opposition leader ted ballieu and matched by then premier steve bracks.