Free Christmas, NYE public transport

Public transport will be free to travellers on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Public Transport Minister, Ben Carroll, announced the plan and said public transport was the best way for Victorians to get around during the festive season.

“If you’re going to get on the beers this Christmas Day, or indeed New Year’s Eve, make sure you also get on public transport,” he said.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure it’s a great celebration for you and it’s a great celebration for your loved ones.”

Victorians will be able to use regional and metropolitan public transport at no cost from 3am on Christmas Day until 3am on Boxing Day, with services running to a regular Sunday timetable.

Boxing Day services will run to a public holiday timetable.

As for New Year’s Eve, travel will be free across the network from 6pm on 31 December until 6am on New Year’s Day.

VLine passengers are still required to book tickets to travel on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve on reserved services, but there will be no cost.

Those travelling from regional areas by bus won’t need a ticket, and people do not need to touch their Myki card on or off to use public transport.