Melbourne is set for a summer of free travel, with the state government announcing that all public transport across Victoria will be free every weekend from early December until February 1, in celebration of the long-awaited opening of the Metro Tunnel.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams announced the initiative, calling it the biggest free transport event in Victoria’s history and a way to thank the public for their patience throughout the Metro Tunnel’s construction.
From the first service on Saturday to the last service on Sunday each weekend, all trains, trams and buses across Melbourne and regional Victoria will be free to use. No Myki tap-on or ticket will be required, and anyone who taps on by accident won’t be charged.
Regional travellers will still need to reserve seats on select services, but those bookings will also come at no cost.
The free travel offer coincides with the Metro Tunnel’s “Summer Start” period, which begins with the tunnel’s opening in early December. The new rail corridor will introduce 240 new weekly services, connecting the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines through five underground stations: Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.
The initiative runs through to February 1, when the “Big Switch” will fully integrate the Metro Tunnel into the state’s transport network. This next phase will deliver more than 1,000 additional weekly services and a new timetable for passengers across Victoria.
“We’re saying thank you Victoria – with free PT every weekend this summer,” Premier Allan said.
“Everyone, everywhere, every weekend, free until Feb 1. The biggest free transport bonanza in Victoria’s history.”
