Victorian government offers Christmas gift to millions

The Victorian government will spread the Christmas cheer by providing a special offer to everyone in the state.

Free public transport will be provided on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve to make it easier for Victorians to celebrate across the state.

Metropolitan and regional public transport will run to a regular Sunday timetable on Christmas Day.

It will be free from 3am on December 25 until 3am on Boxing Day, with Night Network services running through the night.

Boxing Day will run to a public holiday timetable.

Passengers using a myki will not need to touch on and off, and will not be charged if they do.

On New Year’s Eve, people will be able to travel for free on all metropolitan and regional train, tram and bus services from 6pm until 6am on January 1.

Free public transport will be provided on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve in Victoria. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

There will be a normal Saturday public transport timetable between 6pm and midnight, with additional services afterwards.

Trains will run every five to 15 minutes between midnight and 1.45am, then at a 30-minute frequency between 1.45am and 2.45am, then every hour from 2.45am.

Most tram services will operate all night, running every five to 15 minutes between midnight and 3am, then every hour from 3am.

Passengers on V/Line services must book Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve travel on reserved services, but their ticket will be free.

No ticket is required for regional bus travel.

“Victorians will be able to travel for free across the state to celebrate with loved ones and public transport is the best way to get around during the festive season,” Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said.

“Free travel on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day really makes it easier for people to celebrate with family and friends.”

Originally published as Victorian government offers Christmas gift to millions