- Published:
- Friday 15 December 2017
The Andrews Labor Government has unveiled a range of fare changes that will make public transport cheaper, easier and fairer for children, families and carers across Victoria.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan today announced that, from 1 January next year, primary school groups will get free off-peak travel on Victoria’s public transport network.
Victorian Primary School groups can apply for free travel between 9.30am and 3.30pm on metropolitan and regional services, making school excursions cheaper for schools and parents. Up to four accompanying adults can also travel for free with each group.
Victorians of all ages requiring special assistance will also find getting out at weekends simpler and more affordable, with their carers able to accompany them for free on public transport across up to two consecutive zones on Saturdays and Sundays.
Currently, Victorian Carer Card holders have access to free travel on train, tram and bus services on Sundays only.
As in previous years, the Labor Government will provide free public transport for all Victorians Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to help people to celebrate and get home safe.
Public transport will be free in metropolitan Melbourne from 6pm on New Year’s Eve until 6am on New Year’s Day, with public transport running all night. V/Line will operate to a normal timetable on New Year’s Eve, with the first New Year’s Day service out of Melbourne on each regional line, also free for passengers.
Free Christmas Day metropolitan and regional services will run to a Sunday timetable, with a limited number of V/Line coach routes also operating.
Passengers do not need to travel with a valid myki during periods of free travel, and if they do accidentally touch on they will not be charged a fare.
To support these changes, from 1 January 2018 most public transport fares will increase by 4.7 per cent as part of the annual fares adjustment. For regional Victorians, town bus fares will remain unchanged, with the Government capping the cost of a trip within the same zone at $2.40 for the third consecutive year.
Further information on the changes to public transport fares is available at ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“Next year, we’re making primary school excursions easier and helping carers get around the city to support those they care for.”
“Free public transport during the festive period makes it safer, cheaper and easier for people to leave the car at home and enjoy the festivities.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We’re now making it easier, cheaper and fairer for primary school children to explore our great state by train, tram and bus – to learn more and improve their confidence on public transport.”