Commuters can avoid forking extra cash this holiday season, with the State Government making public transport free on Christmas Day and New Years Eve to make it easier for Victorians to celebrate with family and friends across the state.
On Christmas Day metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable and will be free from 3am Sunday 25 December until 3am on Boxing Day, Monday, 26 December, with Night Network services running through the night. Boxing Day will run to a public holiday timetable.
Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said 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.”
Passengers using a myki are not required to touch on and off and will not be charged if they do.
Victorians wishing to travel across the city or state to celebrate and 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 Saturday 31 December until 6am on Sunday, 1 January.
Public transport will continue across the metropolitan network all night on New Year’s Eve, ensuring everyone can get back home safely. A normal Saturday public transport timetable will be in place between 6pm and midnight, with additional services after midnight.
Trains will run to a five to 15-minute frequency between midnight and 1:45am, a 30-minute frequency between 1:45am and 2:45am, and every hour from 2:45am. On the tram network, most services will operate all night – running to a five to 15-minute frequency between midnight and 3am, and every 60 minutes 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.
No ticket is required for regional bus travel.
The 2023 #AllAboard Pride Tram, featuring the first tram design by a Victorian artist from the LGBTIQIA+ community and chosen by public vote, will also hit the network after being formally unveiled next week.
For information and to plan your journey on Christmas or New Year’s Eve visit ptv.vic.gov.au or the PTV mobile app.
