Most myki fare evaders who take their case to court and plead guilty escape without having to pay a fine, a situation that seems to strike at the heart of the government's fare enforcement regime.

Of about 300 cases represented by QC Julian Burnside's pro-bono flying squad about 120 have been withdrawn by the prosecution.

Myki fares are rising in 2017

Of the remaining 180 or so, only a single fine has been issued.

The problem for The Department of Transport is wider than this. On Thursday, February 18, Fairfax Media sat in the 18th Division of the Melbourne Magistrates Court, which was packed full of alleged fare evaders.