Free public transport travel for under-18s next year

BALLARAT travellers aged 18 and under will travel for free on Victorian public transport from 1 January next year.

The State Government announced earlier this week that the free travel arrangements, which will apply throughout Victoria, would be part of this year’s budget, which was handed down on Tuesday.

Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle gathered at the Ballarat railway station for the local announcement.

“This will save so many struggling families thousands of dollars a year,” Ms Williams said.

Ms Addison described the move as “great news for local families.”

“[It will be] not only a saving for school days but weekends and school holiday trips to Melbourne and across regional Victoria,” she said.

In a pre-budget statement, the State Government said the regional fare cap had already saved Victorians more than $132 million in its first two years, but the free travel arrangements would go even further.

The statement said families would potentially save up to $775 a year for each child, given that a yearly student pass currently costs that amount.

For a family with three children under 18, it would mean a saving of $2265 a year.

“Two years ago, it would cost kids $15.96 to travel a return trip from Ballarat to the MCG – from next year it will be free,” the statement said.

A new youth myki card will also be introduced on 1 January. The cards will be $5 each and will be valid until the child turns 18.

The cards will be able to be used like any other myki card, to tap on and travel through ticket gates at stations and when getting on a bus or tram.

Children living in non-myki areas will be eligible for the same free travel.

“We’re making it more affordable to get around for families doing it tough,” Ms Settle said.