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Vic night patronage growing

The number of people using Melbourne’s weekend night PT services is growing steadily

Patronage on all night public transport services in Melbourne has seen a significant boost in its second weekend, as shift workers and visitors start to catch on.

Just 10,000 made use of all night services in the first weekend of the 12 month trial, but this figure has now leapt to 15,000.

The night network provides 300 train and 250 tram services each weekend, supported by 21 new bus routes departing from the city and suburban train stations across Melbourne.

“For people who work late for a living, like those in essential services and hospitality, night network makes getting home safer, cheaper and easier,” Victorian acting premier James Merlino says.

“More than 5,000 extra people used night network last weekend – a 50 per cent increase – and we expect that number to grow as people become more aware of the hundreds of extra services on offer.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is delivering all night public transport so people can enjoy the world’s most liveable city for longer and get home safer and sooner, every weekend.”

Many of Crown Casino’s employees are starting to utilise the services, as a lot of them work until after midnight.

Executive general manager of human resources Crown Melbourne Alicia Gleeson says its employees are making the most of all night public transport, which is proving a cheaper and more convenient alternative for many.

“Crown Melbourne provides employment for more than 9,400 people, with a significant number of employees completing their shift in the early hours of the morning,” she says

“The night network will provide an affordable option for our employees and customers to get home safely on weekends.”

More will be done to promote the extension of services in the weeks ahead and the continuation of the scheme into 2017 depends largely on a good level of patronage.

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