Public transport on weekends will soon be free across the state for carers and disability pensioners.
Premier Jacinta Allan alongside Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams, Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas made the announcement for free travel, alongside marking the opening of the new Parkville Station pedestrian underpass.
Free public transport will be available across the state every weekend from Sunday 30 November up until Sunday 1 February for all Victorians, as part of the Metro Tunnel opening period.
After 1 February, close to 300,000 carers and disability support pensioners who use public transport will be able to catch a train, tram or bus anywhere across the state for free on weekends, saving carers who travel more than $360 per year, according to the state government.
Currently carers enjoy free travel on weekends in any two neighbouring zones, allowing for short trips. This expansion will extend free travel to carers anywhere across the state on weekends.
Carer Card Holders and those on a Disability Support Pension will be able to use their myki to touch on and off as usual – but their cards won’t be charged. They will need to carry proof of their concession when they travel.
Ms Allan welcomed the announcement, with free public transport also coming soon for children under 18 and seniors on weekends.
“With free PT for carers and seniors on weekends, free PT every day for kids, and our regional fare cap – it’s never been cheaper and easier to get around Victoria,” she said.
The new underpass, situated in one of Melbourne’s busiest precincts, will provide a fully accessible and easier way to move through the Parkville area.
The underpass links the entrances of The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne. The underpass sits outside the ticket gates and is open to everyone, no myki required.
