Victorians will be able to travel free across the state’s entire public transport network every weekend this summer as part of celebrations marking the long-awaited opening of the Metro Tunnel in early December.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced that from the day the Metro Tunnel begins its Summer Start in early December until 1 February, all travel on trains, trams and buses—both metropolitan and regional—will be free every Saturday and Sunday.
“All public transport will be free for everyone, everywhere, every weekend until February 1,” Allan said, describing the move as “the biggest free transport bonanza in Victoria’s history.”
The Premier joined Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams and Metro Tunnel workers at State Library Station to unveil the plan, which she said was a way to thank Victorians for their patience during years of construction.
“We’re saying thank you, Victoria,” Allan said.
“The Metro Tunnel will cut congestion and get you to work, uni and home sooner – and it opens in early December.”
The Summer Start will coincide with the opening of the Metro Tunnel and the addition of 240 new weekly services, with commuters invited to explore the new underground stations and experience the faster cross-city connections.
Commuters won’t need a valid Myki or ticket during the free travel weekends, and anyone who taps on or off by mistake will not be charged. Some regional services will still require seat reservations, though at no cost.
Minister Williams said the initiative was designed to mark a milestone moment in Victoria’s transport history. “The Summer Start is how we’re opening the tunnel safer, smoother and sooner,” she said.
“It’s our way of thanking everyone for their patience while we built the Metro Tunnel – and celebrating this huge achievement for our state.”
From 1 February, the Big Switch will introduce a new statewide timetable, routing every train on Melbourne’s two busiest lines through the new Metro Tunnel and adding 1,000 more services each week.
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