Free PT during the festive season

The State Government is making it easier for Victorians to spend time with family and friends across the state this festive season with two days of free travel.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced last Thursday that public transport would be free on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, across all metro and regional trains, trams and buses.

Passengers using a myki are not required to touch on and off and will not be charged if they do.

Passengers on V/Line services still need to book their New Year’s Eve travel on reserved services, but will be issued a ticket free of charge. No ticket is required for regional bus travel.

Victorians wishing to get out and about to welcome in the New Year will be able to travel for free on all metropolitan and regional train, tram and bus services from 6pm on Sunday 31 December until 6am on Monday 1 January.

Up to 400,000 passengers are expected to attend New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city and significant planning has been undertaken to deliver extra services and bolster security to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe start to the new year.

Public transport will continue across the metropolitan network all night on New Year’s Eve, with 492 additional metro train services added and more across other public transport modes, ensuring everyone can get home safely.

A normal Sunday public transport timetable will be in place between 6pm and midnight, with additional services after midnight.

“Celebrating with family and friends is incredibly important at this time of year and providing free travel across the state will make it easier for all Victorians to catch up with loved ones,” Ms Williams said.

“People heading out to celebrate on New Year’s Eve should leave the car at home and catch public transport to their destination – it’s free and the safest way to travel to celebrate the beginning of 2024.”