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Victoria Confirms Free Public Transport for Under-18s and Statewide Senior Weekend Travel

The initiatives, set to launch January 1, 2026, will provide cost-of-living relief, benefiting over one million young Victorians and all Seniors Card holders, with funding included in the 2025-26 state budget.

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Victoria's budget will deliver cost-of-living relief including free public transport for children.  Photo: Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS
Children will travel for free on Victoria's public transport network from next year.  Photo: James Ross/AAP PHOTOS

Overview

  • Starting January 1, 2026, all Victorians under 18 will receive free public transport through a new youth myki system covering trains, trams, buses, and regional services.
  • The youth travel program is projected to cost $318 million over four years and save families up to $755 per child annually.
  • Seniors Card holders will gain access to free weekend travel statewide, expanding the current policy limited to neighboring zones.
  • The seniors travel initiative, costing $2.2 million over four years, aims to encourage regional exploration and ease travel costs for seniors.
  • Both measures are part of Treasurer Jaclyn Symes's first state budget, balancing relief efforts with rising debt and ongoing infrastructure projects.