Victorians will be able to travel free on all trains, trams, and buses every weekend from early December until February 1, as part of the launch of the $15.5 billion Metro Tunnel, Premier Jacinta Allan announced today.
The gesture is being described as a “thank you” to passengers who have endured years of disruptions due to Metro Tunnel construction. Barriers at stations will remain open from early Saturday mornings until the last Sunday service for the two-month period, allowing residents and visitors to explore the new tunnel and enjoy summer events without tapping on their myki cards.
“This is the biggest free public transport bonanza in Victoria ever to say thank you,” Ms Allan said. “Every weekend, everywhere, until February 1 – come and check out the Metro Tunnel, and you won’t pay a cent.”
The free weekend travel will also cover regional areas, with reservations required on some V/Line services also waived. The cost to taxpayers is expected to be around $15 million, based on previous fare revenue over summer weekends.
Limited services through the Metro Tunnel are scheduled to begin in early December, pending safety approval by national rail regulators. During the “summer start” soft launch, trains will run every 20 minutes through the tunnel’s five underground stations between 10am and 3pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm on weekends.
From February 1, under the full timetable overhaul known as the “big switch,” trains will run every three to four minutes during peak periods, with the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines exclusively using the Metro Tunnel. The entire network will receive updated timetables, with service frequencies increased across other rail lines.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin raised concerns that the soft launch may not adequately serve 9–5 commuters, but the Premier defended the staggered opening, noting it allows teething issues to be resolved during quieter periods.
