Victorians, including those in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, will have access to free public transport on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, meaning they will not need to touch on their myki cards.
The state government said metropolitan and regional public transport will run on a Sunday timetable on Christmas Day, and will be free from 3am on Sunday, December 25, until 3am on Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, with Night Network services running through the night. Boxing Day services will run on a public holiday timetable.
Services will also be free from 6pm, Saturday, December 31, until 6am, Sunday, January 1. Public transport will continue across the metropolitan network all night on New Year’s Eve. A Saturday public transport timetable will be in place between 6pm and midnight, with additional services after midnight.
According to the government, trains will run on a frequency of five to 15-minute frequency between midnight and 1.45am, then a 30-minute frequency between 1.45am and 2.45am, and every hour from 2.45am.
On the tram network, the government said most services will operate all night on a 15-minute frequency between midnight and 3am, and then every hour from 3am.
“Passengers on V/Line services still need to book their Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve travel on reserved services – but will be issued a ticket free of charge,” the government said.
No tickets will be needed for regional bus travel.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said Victorians will be able to travel for free across the state to celebrate with loved ones and public transport is the best way to get around during the festive season.
“Free travel on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day really makes it easier for people to celebrate with family and friends,” he said.
“Our newly wrapped Yarra Trams #AllAboard Pride Tram with a stunning new mural will bring joy and pride this summer to Melbourne’s tram network.”
