The Victorian government has revealed that, from next year, anyone under the age of 18 in the state will be able to use buses for free.
As part of the newly announced government budget measure, from January 1 next year, all kids will have access to free public transport.
The cost-of-living boost is set to save hundreds of thousands of families up to $755 a year per child in what the state government describes as “a massive investment to put money back in the pocket of families who are doing it tough”.
“Free public transport for every child, every day, everywhere. Families are doing it tough and I’m on their side,” Victorian premier Jacinta Allan says.
“Labor will cut public transport prices. Liberals will cut public transport projects.”
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The new youth myki will be able to be used like any other myki to tap on and travel through ticket gates when getting on a bus. The card stays valid until the child turns 18.
The measure is set to benefit more than one million young Victorians and their families, with children living in non-myki areas also being eligible for free travel across all forms of public transport, including buses and coach services in metro, regional and rural areas.
“This will save so many struggling families thousands of dollars a year,” Victorian transport minister Gabrielle Williams says.
“Cheaper school runs, cheaper weekends at the footy – and one less thing for families to worry about.”
On top of this, the Victorian government has also made all public transport free on the weekend for Seniors Card holders.
Currently seniors enjoy free travel on weekends in any two neighbouring zones, but now the measure will open this benefit up to the entire state.
Cardholders will continue to be eligible for a 50 per cent discount off the full fare on weekdays.
“We’ve added hundreds more weekend services and now we’re making it free for seniors to travel on the weekend – making public transport an even better option, whether it’s for a trip to see family or to explore Victoria,” Williams says.
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