To celebrate the long-awaited opening of the Metro Tunnel, every tram, train and bus across Victoria will be free every weekend from early December until February 1.
Premier Jacinta Allan announced the statewide travel giveaway on Wednesday, October 8, joining Metro Tunnel workers at State Library Station in Melbourne to mark the countdown to the tunnel’s ‘Summer Start’.
“We’re saying thank you, Victoria, with free PT every weekend this summer,” Ms Allan said.
“The biggest free transport bonanza in Victoria’s history — everyone, everywhere, every weekend, free until February 1.”
The free travel period begins the same weekend the Metro Tunnel opens — an event that will add 240 new services to the network each week.
Passengers won’t require a valid ticket or Myki card to travel from the first service on each Saturday until the last on Sunday.
If a passenger accidentally taps on or off, they will not be charged.
Regional travellers can also enjoy the free rides, although some V/Line services will still require seat reservations at no cost.
Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams said the initiative was about both gratitude and celebration.
“The Summer Start is how we’re opening the tunnel safer, smoother and sooner,” she said.
“This is our way of saying thanks to everyone for their patience while we built the Metro Tunnel — and to celebrate this huge moment in the history of our state.”
The ‘Big Switch’ on February 1 will mark the next major milestone, when trains on Melbourne’s two busiest lines are routed through the new tunnels, unlocking 1000 new services across the network.
For more information, visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/use-metro-tunnel/prepare/opening
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