Travel on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve will be free across Victoria’s public transport network, and additional services will be provided after the CBD fireworks displays when half a million people are expected to crowd Melbourne.
Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll announced on Sunday travel would be free from 3am on Christmas Day until 3am on Boxing Day in metropolitan and regional networks, with a regular public holiday timetable.
Travel will also be free from 6pm on New Year’s Eve until 6am on January 1, with additional services after midnight.
“This is really important to ensure that Victorians getting through to the city to see the fireworks … can make the most of it,” Carroll said.
“We’re really wanting to make sure if you are wanting to get on the beers, you also get on the public transport system because it’s the best way to celebrate this festive season.”
Passengers will not be required to touch on and off using their myki travel card and will not be charged if they do so.
Carroll said the public transport network was back to 75 per cent of pre-COVID levels and commuters should monitor the PTV app to plan their journey during upgrades over the summer months.
No trains will operate through the City Loop between January 2 and January 15, but extra tram services will be added through the CBD and trains will use Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations.
On V/Line services, passengers are being urged to book ahead to reserve seats free of charge to manage the network and services during the two days of free travel.
Source : TheAge