Youth myki unlocks free trips on trains, trams, buses

MORE than one million young Victorians can now travel for free on public transport, with the state’s new youth myki officially active.

The Victorian government initiative offers all passengers aged under 18 unlimited travel across trains, trams and buses statewide.

Families began accessing the new card last week, and online purchases are available through the Transport Victoria website and in-person at staffed stations.

The shift removes the cost of the annual student pass, previously $755 per child. For families with three children under the age of 18, the change represents a saving of more than $2,200 a year.

The youth myki can be used across the entire public transport network, including on booked V/Line services by entering the card number when reserving a seat.

On non-myki regional buses, it functions as a flash pass.

Minister for Public and Active Transport, Gabrielle Williams, said the new system would ease travel costs for households.

“We’re helping families save on everyday costs, whether it be cheaper school runs or cheaper weekend runs to the footy – this gives families one less thing to worry about,” she said.

“There are more reasons than ever to get on board public transport and I encourage Victorians to enjoy the free travel and explore our network – from the Metro Tunnel out to the regions.”

The new youth myki cards feature a design that was created by 11-year-old Victorian student Charlie and depicts all the ways young people will be able to use the card throughout the year.

More than 650,000 seniors and about 300,000 carers and disability support pensioners are also now eligible for free weekend travel, with the initiative beginning yesterday (Thursday, January 1).

Passengers must carry their proof of concession and continue to tap on and off as usual, but no fares will be charged on weekends.

Families will also continue to have access to free public transport across the state every weekend until February 1 to celebrate the opening of the Metro Tunnel.

For more information about the new youth myki, head to transport.vic.gov.au/tickets-and-myki/myki