The state budget will make public transport free for everyone aged under 18 across Victoria from next year.
As part of the upcoming budget, children aged under 18 get to travel for free on a new youth myki from January 1 next year, and families can save up to $755 a year per child – with the change aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.
A yearly student pass currently costs $755, and a family with three children using yearly student passes spends $2,265 a year.
A student without a yearly pass – who buys a daily fare four times a week – spends $1,144 a year.
The new youth myki can be used like any other myki, to tap on and travel through ticket gates at stations and when getting on a bus or tram.
The card will stay valid until the child turns 18.
According to the state, more than one million young Victorians and their families are set to benefit from the new youth myki when it rolls out.
Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said that the change means “cheaper school runs, cheaper weekends at the footy – and one less thing for families to worry about.”
Children living in non-myki areas will also be eligible for free travel.
The free travel will be available on all forms of public transport including trams, trains, buses and coach services in metro, regional and rural areas.
