Balance of power independent Geoff Shaw has hit out at a government plan for free inner city tram travel, declaring: ''I am not one for socialism''.

Instead Mr Shaw told Parliament this week he was in favour of a user pays system, arguing the change would exacerbate the problem of crowded trams.

Independent MP Geoff Shaw. Credit:Joe Armao

''I am just highlighting my concern about socialism,'' Mr Shaw said. ''I catch trams. Around the city they are already pretty full. I do not know how we can encourage more people to use trams now that they are free. A user pays system is probably more what I am after.''

Both sides of politics are promising to cap fares across Melbourne's transport network at zone 1 rates, with the $100 million annual cost to be funded in the May 6 budget.