Hot on the heels of the news that the Metro Tunnel finally has an opening date (spoiler alert: it's early December – one year ahead of schedule!), comes another very exciting announcement. Premier Jacinta Allan has just revealed that travelling on public transport will be free across the state every weekend for two months over summer.
Yes, you read that right. As a gesture of thanks to Victorians for their patience while the Metro Tunnel was being built, and to celebrate the opening of this much-hyped $15.5 billion project, the entire public transport network will be free on weekends from early December to February 1. We're talking the first service on each Saturday to the last service on each Sunday, and it includes all trams, buses, trains and regional services.
During this period, you won't need a valid ticket or Myki to use any public transport. You also won't be required to tap on or off, and if you accidentally do, no charges will incur.
The free travel will mark the Metro Tunnel's Summer Start, which is essentially a soft launch designed to iron out any bugs, avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. On February 1, the Big Switch will occur, which will see a brand new timetable introduced across the state's entire public transport network to accommodate more than 1,000 new weekly services.
So, if you've been wondering when you'll get the opportunity to check out the Metro Tunnel – and its five brand new underground stations: Anzac, Arden, Parkville, Town Hall and State Library – consider this your sign to go and see what all the fuss it about this summer. Best of all, it also aligns with some of Melbourne's biggest sporting events, like the Boxing Day Test Match and the Australian Open, so heading to those will be a whole lot easier.
“We’re saying thank you Victoria – with free PT every weekend this summer,” said Premier Jacinta Allan. “Everyone, everywhere, every weekend, free until Feb 1. The biggest free transport bonanza in Victoria’s history.”
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