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Free travel in December for Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland line passengers
In recognition of over 100 days of disrupted travel this year, passengers catching replacement services on the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland lines will receive free travel from Saturday 1 December to Sunday 23 December 2018.
Metropolitan passengers
When you arrive at your station, simply board a replacement bus instead of your train. Don’t touch on or off with your myki.
You can collect a Free Travel Token when getting off a replacement bus at Westall from 1 December to 15 December and Dandenong from 15 December to 23 December. This token gives you free onward metropolitan travel in Zone 1+2. Simply show your Free Travel Token to staff to travel.
Free Travel Tokens are valid for the entire week, so you only need to collect one each week.
Regional passengers
Coaches will replace trains for all services on the Gippsland line.
If you're a Traralgon Line passenger boarding a replacement coach, you'll travel for free. Don’t touch on or off with your myki.
If you're a Bairnsdale Line passenger, you'll also receive free travel on replacement coaches and are asked to book a seat for these services in advance, through the normal reservation process.
If you're continuing your travel on a metropolitan train, tram or bus in Zone 1+2, or town buses in the Gippsland region, you'll receive a V/Line paper ticket for free onward travel.
If your journey starts from a premium metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, ask station staff for a paper ticket for a single or return journey to Gippsland. This paper ticket can also be used for metropolitan travel in Zone 1+2.
If your journey starts from a non-premium metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, touch on and off as normal. You’ll be able to collect a Free Travel Token on your return and claim a reimbursement for your initial journey. You'll only need to collect a token once each week.
Travelling with a myki Pass
If you travel with a weekly or monthly myki Pass, we encourage you to consider the free travel period and avoid buying or activating your next myki Pass.
If you hold an existing yearly myki Pass and travel on these lines from 1 December to 23 December, you’ll also travel for free during this period. PTV will make sure all eligible myki Pass holders are reimbursed.
Travelling from a station outside the disrupted area
If your journey starts at a metropolitan station outside the disrupted area, and continues through the disruption, touch on and off as normal. You’ll be able to collect a Free Travel Token on your return and claim a reimbursement for your initial journey.
Simply complete the reimbursement form online.
If you’re travelling from destinations on the V/Line network other than the Gippsland line, you’ll only be eligible for free travel on the Cranbourne, Pakenham or Gippsland section of your trip. Free Travel Tokens are valid for the entire week, so you'll only need to collect one token each week.
Free travel tokens and tickets
The metropolitan Free Travel Tokens and V/Line paper tickets will be accepted by station staff, drivers and Authorised Officers as a ticket for travel on metropolitan trains, trams and buses in Zone 1+2. Please ensure you present your Free Travel Token or paper ticket when requested by these staff members.
Yeah, Free Travel but no trains leaving Pakenham Mon-Friday for 3 weeks.
So not really a deal, considering replacement buses suck.