I’m also less inclined to use the Skybus than I used to be. I think its aimed at tourists/visitors more than locals anyway. It is very convenient if you work in the city and need to go straight to the airport after work but if you are leaving from home (ie on a Saturday morning) then after a lot of research I’ve found it to be cheaper and more convenient to drive and park at an off-site. I live in the inner North and a tram to SX and then Skybus to the airport on a Saturday would take just over an hour, whereas driving to an off-site would be close to 30 minutes. I used to use Melbourne Airport Long Term until I realised it was a painful rip-off where you spend ages searching for a space and then wait for a fairly long bus ride to the terminal. It’s a better set-up with the off-sites because you park right next to the bus (both at the start and end of the trip) and the bus trip is the same length of time because you’re not making stops and I’ve never waited more than a few minutes for the bus.
I’ve been using both Alpha and Elite – Alpha is the cheapest off-site I’ve found, Elite is slightly more expensive but more upmarket – brand new mini vans, nice offices etc. After numerous bookings, Alpha has now given me a 15% off VIP card making it even cheaper. 3 days a few weeks ago was $21, 5 days over this Easter is $34. That to me is extremely good value. I usually travel with my partner so for the two of us its much cheaper, quicker and more convenient to drive and park at an off-site.