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[VIC] Free Public Transport on Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve (Trams, Trains, Buses)

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[VIC] Free Public Transport on Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve (Trams, Trains, Buses)
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tightarse on 21/12/2024 - 14:07 premier.vic.gov.au (996 clicks)
Last edited 23/12/2024 - 12:54 by 1 other user

Hey guys. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe & happy festive season 🧑‍🎄🎄😊

The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for families to celebrate the festive season with two days of free public transport across the network.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams today announced public transport will be free on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve across all metro and regional trains, trams and buses.

On Christmas Day, metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable and will be free from 3:00am Wednesday, 25 December until 3:00am on Boxing Day.

V/Line passengers on reserved services still need to book their Christmas Day and New Year's Eve travel and will be issued a ticket free of charge. No ticket is required for regional bus travel.

To bid farewell to 2024, catching a train, tram or bus is your best ticket for the night with free travel from 6:00pm on New Years Eve. V/Line long distance passengers on services that arrive in Melbourne after 6:00pm will also enjoy free travel.

Victorians can celebrate well into the night, with extra services to operate and free travel until 6:00am on New Year's Day.

For V/Line passengers, the first service from Melbourne to all regional destinations on New Year's Day will also be free, regardless of whether it departs before or after 6:00am.

This New Year’s Eve, all City Loop stations will operate until 3:00am to provide more options and to minimise crowding at Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations.

Source: https://www.miragenews.com/free-public-transport-this-christ…

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Comments

  • NexERO on 21/12/2024 - 14:16
    +33

    Free transport on Christmas and NYE…
    But fare increase from NY Day
    https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/news/2024/12/20/p…

      • eggboi on 21/12/2024 - 15:56
        +25

        "only". In Qld, the entire fare to go anywhere is 50c. Except the airport. But even that fare's come down from $22 to $11.

        Half the time, the buses don't even have the smartcard readers switched on cos the drivers would rather get going than wait for everyone to tap their card. Have not seen a single transit cop since the 50c fares came in either.

        • freefall101 on 21/12/2024 - 16:18
          +27

          As a Melbournite, what's this public transport to the airport you talk about? Wouldn't that eat into the insane profits of Transurban and airport carparks?

          • eggboi on 21/12/2024 - 16:39
            +3

            @freefall101: Haha, well I believe it's a joint private-public venture, hence the fare halving, as the corpos weren't feeling as generous. But it is pretty great. You can go all the way from Bris airport to the Gold Coast without having to change trains.

            • Fuzor on 21/12/2024 - 16:48

              @eggboi: I just looked it up as I thought your fares are going up by 50 cents but its actually 50 cents overall… Not sure how that is possible! I imagine having an Aussie simply process the myki ticket payment systems would cost train travellers more than 50 cents each

              • Ryan-H on 21/12/2024 - 18:20
                +1

                @Fuzor: Yes, fares are a flat 50c (for the current government) thanks to the previous Miles government that introduced a trial.

                It’s unlikely that the ticketing system is even paying for itself. Queenslanders are still waiting for the second version of the electronic ticketing to roll out in full.

                It’s working quite well, lots of more people now using PT now that it’s a bit more cost effective.

                • jjjaar on 21/12/2024 - 21:01
                  +1

                  @Ryan-H:

                  It’s unlikely that the ticketing system is even paying for itself

                  Likely not. Even where there are higher fares, the farebox recovery ratio (amount of operating costs that fares cover) in Aus is pretty low, below 30%. London Underground is about 130%, Hong Kong MTR is 106%, San Fran BART is 50%.

                  But the flip side is that when you provide lower fares, the ratio reduces but the demand increases, so there’s even less $$ to cater for those actually using it. See VLine trains in Vic.

                  https://theconversation.com/50-cents-0-cents-1-question-how-…

              • wetsandwich on 22/12/2024 - 10:33
                -4

                @Fuzor: Its vote buying. Theres an election coming up. Transport isnt even covered by proper full fares.

                • eggboi on 22/12/2024 - 12:24
                  +1

                  @wetsandwich: Election has been and gone. Focusing on cost recovery is pointless. It’ll never be above 30% max in aus thanks to urban sprawl and a laughably basic train network.

                  Getting people on PT has other benefits too, like less cars on the road, and therefore not spending billions on widening a highway only for the traffic to bottleneck further down the road. Car culture in this country is necessary but idiotic.

                • seamonkey on 31/12/2024 - 18:09

                  @wetsandwich: lol. Vote buying. The election is almost 2 years away. They are doing free transport for a night because voters will absolutely recall tonight in 2 years from now. Right. 🤣

              • eggboi on 22/12/2024 - 12:29

                @Fuzor: Yeah its awesome. I think the reasoning was that since the gov is funding 70% of the operational costs anyway, subsidising that to get some cars off the road is cheaper than billions in roadworks that don’t actually solve traffic issues anyway.

      • hopper on 21/12/2024 - 17:47
        +1

        Hand over your OZBARGAIN membership plz

      • dukeGR4 on 21/12/2024 - 17:54

        i start a new role next year in the city, 60 cents extra is a lot even for 3x per week.

    • JohnnyP on 21/12/2024 - 16:05
      +1

      Do they still have early bird special?

    • hopper on 21/12/2024 - 17:50
      +3

      You milk a cow only by feeding it grass

    • gakko on 22/12/2024 - 09:41

      Yeah this policy is costed in to prices for sure.

    • alcadive on 23/12/2024 - 09:13
      +1

      Public transport fares contribute to the ongoing operation of the trains, trams and buses, ensuring our network remains world-class for all Victorians.

      What a joke!

  • DEvok on 21/12/2024 - 14:33
    +1

    Also Sydney don't forget

    • impoze on 21/12/2024 - 14:35
      +18

      We might get strikes instead

      • DEvok on 21/12/2024 - 14:37

        Think aus government is encouraging people to see fireworks, it makes great revenue it's all about the transport and only way to get there, out our PM will find a solution like always.

        • SydBoy on 21/12/2024 - 15:49
          +15

          Getting pay rise in line with inflation is fundamental right of everyone, the government is threatening the poor working class Australian that they must comply to their demands or they will cancel new year fire works and blame poor people.

          Remember Sydney water, current proposal is to raise water rates by 18% yes 18% which has nothing to do with inflation but government is okay for that to be submitted but argue on the wages of poor working class Australian..!

            • bigpoppa on 21/12/2024 - 16:14
              +11

              @runamuck: Bro you're not the capitalist you think you are. stop licking boots. you're a disposable peasant just like the rest of us

              • runamuck on 21/12/2024 - 16:25
                -5

                @bigpoppa: How is this licking boot or being a capitalist? So if U own a business and your workers strike as they are no longer happy with the pay, you just going to give them whatever pay rise they ask for??? Same concept.

                • bigpoppa on 21/12/2024 - 19:03
                  +5

                  @runamuck: You're selling your time and expertise mate. you can charge whatever tf you want. and you can't be forced to work if you don't want to. and no one is entitled to my time and expertise without my consent

          • Freestyle on 31/12/2024 - 20:36

            @SydBoy: let me guess you also think there should never ever be driverless trains and we need these incompetent drivers instead

        • pacificstorm on 21/12/2024 - 15:52
          -6

          Hear hear. 📣

        • teatea on 22/12/2024 - 01:56
          +4

          That's how we roll. We don't leave anyone behind. Otherwise, you get a dystopian world like the US where you'd be grateful if you get 5 days of PTO per year.

        • co doonunda on 22/12/2024 - 09:55

          Yes exactly this is actually a huge reason why Australia is such a draw for people from overseas.

  • Ashburtonian on 21/12/2024 - 14:34
    +11

    Victorian State Government - Taxing your taxes, like never before. Couldn't run a school canteen this mob.

    • Fuzor on 21/12/2024 - 14:39
      +9

      And the opposition? They're doing so well a job, do you even know the opposition leader's name?

      • Ashburtonian on 21/12/2024 - 14:40
        -5

        🎣

      • Clear on 21/12/2024 - 15:12
        +4

        Is it jv's all time favourite dodgy dan?

        • Fuzor on 21/12/2024 - 16:37
          +2

          I dont even know if JV is Victorian. He just randomly comes in here to talk sh*t. And I dont understand why people interstate care? Its got nothing to do with them. Victorians voted him in 3 times in a row, and thats a better record than even Trump, so that's all anyone needs to know.

          • dukeGR4 on 21/12/2024 - 18:32
            +5

            @Fuzor: JV's a female, and is Victorian. Found out recently we live in the same suburb even.

          • someone else on 21/12/2024 - 23:36

            @Fuzor: You mean that's a worse record?
            VIC Labor has to go… Alternate power is important for democracy… These people have been there for too long.
            Opposition better find someone decent

            • profounddominator on 22/12/2024 - 07:02
              +2

              @someone else: Please explain to me how Liberal will be better than Labor

              • Maz78 on 22/12/2024 - 09:18

                @profounddominator: All you need to do is look at any Labour government who are on the receiving end of a surplus. They will spend every $ and then some and ruin the state. Lib's lately haven't been much better in term of governance, but christ Labor are awful and that f-wit Andews has royally screwed the state for decades.

                If someone ran a publicly listed company that way, they'd be up on charges. These pricks walk away scot-free with no repercussions for bankrupting the state.

                • profounddominator on 22/12/2024 - 09:40
                  +3

                  @Maz78: Government and companies are entirely different things, I don't think the goal of governance should be budget surplus and line go up.

                  Investment has been made in many areas that will benefit Victorians now and in the future. What areas should they have cut back on?

              • someone else on 22/12/2024 - 09:49

                @profounddominator: I'm specifically talking about change in power. There is corruption in the government, so we change the players in an attempt to dismantle the corruption. It's never good for democracy to have the same group of people in power.

                Labor and Liberal are pretty much the same, but when politicians feel that they are above the law and can remain there regardless of what they do, they start doing dodgy things and abuse the system. This has been happening in the Victorian government for years.

                I really hope you are smart and don't need a reference, but I will give you just one before you try to convince yourself that there is no corruption in the current government:
                https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/perceptions-corruption-2024-over…

                If you think that corruption is OK because it's Labor corruption, then there is no hope here.

                • profounddominator on 22/12/2024 - 10:06
                  +1

                  @someone else: Obviously no one is saying corruption is good. There are multiple examples of corruption that has occurred with Victorian Liberal:

                  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-01/vic-liberal-party-bra…

                  https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/matthew-guy-remain…

                  It can also be argued that on a federal level the Liberal government of the last decade was the most corrupt government in our history.

                  • someone else on 22/12/2024 - 10:35
                    +1

                    @profounddominator: So, that's exactly the point. If you tolerate corruption because it's Labor, then we're (profanity) up. Whoever is corrupt must be removed, otherwise Australia will be like South Africa and Brazil in 5 years, assuming we are not there yet. It's extremely dangerous to minimise corruption because it's on your side and "the Liebrals are corrupt too", which seems to be your position here.

                    Again, alternating power is crucial for democracy. It's unhealthy to have the same bunch controlling the system for too long, regardless of the party.

              • markathome on 31/12/2024 - 12:44

                @profounddominator:

                Please explain to me how Liberal will be better than Labor

                Fewer lockdowns.

      • Koffee on 21/12/2024 - 17:29
        +1

        Governments in Australia tend to get voted out, we are years away from an election, and how much media do you pay attention to?

      • MrSparkle on 21/12/2024 - 18:40
        +4

        Right now I'm willing to give the dog next door a try, given what has gone down here in the past few years. He couldn't do any worse.

      • wetsandwich on 22/12/2024 - 10:35

        Thats not a gotcha, its a reason why we are stuck with some of the most corrupt, useless and wasteful politicians we've ever had.

  • QuickToThePointless on 21/12/2024 - 14:34
    +6

    Melbourne > Sydney

    • Craze on 21/12/2024 - 14:51
      +2

      Are you referring to public transport wise?

      • QuickToThePointless on 21/12/2024 - 15:04
        +4

        yes, and the number of AFL teams

        • Freestyle on 31/12/2024 - 20:37

          my ass, half your suburbs dont even have a station or proper buses

  • cerealsmok3r on 21/12/2024 - 14:34

    Let’s gooo

  • xreenberg on 21/12/2024 - 14:39

    Not a bargain, I pay too much for these services via land and payroll tax everyday.

    • otmshank on 21/12/2024 - 14:50
      +5

      I pay the Homer tax!

    • OZKap on 21/12/2024 - 14:54
      +15

      I'm gonna take public transport on those days just to make you personally pay even more.

      • liamisred on 21/12/2024 - 14:59
        +5

        If you think about it, the services are run at a loss anyway, so the subsidy per person would go up if you didn't go? (weird way of thinking I know but not going would make old mate pay more if you think about it)

        • jayel on 21/12/2024 - 15:43
          -1

          A sunk cost fallacy.

    • Ulysses31 on 21/12/2024 - 18:15
      +1

      Happy Festivus

    • profounddominator on 22/12/2024 - 07:06
      +2

      A lot more of your tax money goes to building new roads and freeways

      • twig on 24/12/2024 - 10:49
        +2

        Roads that
        xreenberg doesn't even use

    • gakko on 22/12/2024 - 09:48

      How much out of your land and payroll tax goes to it then? Wouldn't be much for such a specific item. Most of your state tax money goes to health and education.

  • asc on 21/12/2024 - 14:59
    +3

    And no free transport on boxing day!

  • seeknsearch on 21/12/2024 - 15:02
    +9

    Thank you to those working on those days.

    • QuickToThePointless on 21/12/2024 - 15:05
      +1

      Why - they are not unpaid volunteers, and many in our multicultural society don't even celebrate Christmas or the 1st of January?

      But many thanks to any volunteers volunteering to do volunteer work on those days!

      • Mike Nolan on 21/12/2024 - 18:43
        -3

        Not sure why you’re getting negged. You are 100% correct, these people aren’t doing back breaking labour or saving lives, they’re getting paid very handsomely in the way of penalty rates, and many don’t even celebrate Christmas anyway. They don’t deserve special praise for literally just doing their job.

        • Pricebeat on 21/12/2024 - 20:22
          +4

          these people aren’t doing back breaking labour or saving lives, they’re getting paid very handsomely in the way of penalty rates,

          Ah yeah, tell that to any healthcare worker on their face. You clearly didn’t have to see the manual handling they have to do.

          • Mike Nolan on 21/12/2024 - 22:20
            -3

            @Pricebeat: I was referring specifically to the train/tram drivers this post was referencing, obviously not healthcare workers lol

            • Pricebeat on 21/12/2024 - 22:52
              +2

              @Mike Nolan: This comment thread is referring to those working on those days. Not specifically train/tram drivers.

  • Spets on 21/12/2024 - 15:21
    +2

    The government should thank YOU, the taxpayers for providing funds for free travel.

  • Frozensage on 21/12/2024 - 16:01

    How often r the trains on Xmas day?

    • syme321 on 21/12/2024 - 16:22

      "On Christmas Day, metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable and will be free from 3:00am Wednesday, 25 December until 3:00am on Boxing Day."

    • Ulysses31 on 21/12/2024 - 18:15

      Enough to save an o

  • bargaino on 21/12/2024 - 16:02

    Any comments from WA?

    • trixieb on 21/12/2024 - 16:57

      Thanks OP :)

    • theclearout on 21/12/2024 - 21:02
      +2

      I know right!
      Just got back from Perth…free public transport from mid December to early Feb, so good!

  • joerd102 on 21/12/2024 - 16:16
    +1

    No ones paying on those days anyways

    • Fuzor on 21/12/2024 - 16:44
      +1

      Yeah true. I actually never have seen anyone pay for tickets to the new years eve celebrations. And with the amount of frumpy people here on that night, it would take a very brave ticket inspector to enforce things without a classic king hit.

  • ialam99 on 21/12/2024 - 16:45
    +8

    Small correction: "The Allan Labor Government is making it easier for families to celebrate the festive season with two days of free public transport across the network after sending the state broke and hiking payroll and land tax"

    • Koffee on 21/12/2024 - 17:31
      +1

      Small Correction: State is already broke

      • Ulysses31 on 21/12/2024 - 18:16
        +2

        Broke & Brokerer 2: Electric Boogaloo

      • SJDR on 22/12/2024 - 08:44
        +3

        Dan's legacy

    • wetsandwich on 22/12/2024 - 10:38
      +1

      Are we allowed to say it here? You get permanently banned from several reddit subs for suggesting that the state isnt in top shape.

      • Ulysses31 on 23/12/2024 - 18:47
        +1

        Only a matter of the me until a Reddit neckbeard gets ya. The recent election froth was minute by minute, death threats, suicide encouragement… The lot. I made one risque sexy time joke in a news section, and my 10yr spotless account was perm banned.

      • markathome on 31/12/2024 - 12:58

        Are we allowed to say it here? You get permanently banned from several reddit subs…

        Ignoring the context. The lesson here is to avoid Reddit for anything but apolitical or technical advice. Reddit's my most blocked social media site and if it wasn't for its assistance with obscure issues, I believe it would stay blocked.

        Few people are changing their mind on that site and they are just plain weird people to begin with.

  • TheFIREnanceGuy on 21/12/2024 - 17:10
    +1

    Anything opened on christmas day worth using pt for? Not sure how useful it will be. Better if they made it boxing day for the sales

    • Ulysses31 on 21/12/2024 - 18:17
      +3

      Might sound weird, but it used to be fun to just go in & wander around.

      (80's kid, from the 'burbs)

    • Frozensage on 21/12/2024 - 21:43
      +1

      I just like catching trains for free ac

  • Lizard Spock on 21/12/2024 - 17:20
    +2

    The Allan Labor Government

    Praise be to Allan

  • Nedkellyinthebush on 21/12/2024 - 18:38
    -3

    Victoria the broke woke lol. May as well run it free throughout the year

  • hattori9x on 21/12/2024 - 19:12
    +1

    I will travel to the airport on 25th, might just use PT instead of Uber to save $40+

  • I Smell Pennies on 21/12/2024 - 19:24
    +2

    Free trains in VIC ✅
    No trains in NSW ✅✅✅

  • sheepynz on 21/12/2024 - 21:05
    +5

    free for 2 days but increase the fare for the whole year LOL.

    • wetsandwich on 22/12/2024 - 10:37
      +1

      There are always yearly increases, the media just pulls it out as if its a surprise.

  • movieman on 22/12/2024 - 00:11

    Do we still need to tap on with a Myki?

    • sween64 on 31/12/2024 - 18:04

      Did you find an answer to this?

      • movieman on 01/01/2025 - 10:01

        Unfortunately, no.

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