Free public transport from 31st March to the end of April will make a big difference to the people who already use the network or can easily move their trips from driving onto public transport.
There’s obviously less benefit for people for whom public transport is not a viable journey choice, due to lack of services, long waiting times, indirect routes and poor connections.
We are also concerned that V/Line will not be taking seat bookings on long distance services during this time, meaning passengers will face a free-for-all at stations.
The government should look at what they can do to boost both regional and metropolitan services – starting with weekend and evening periods when there are vehicles and track capacity available to be used, but often long waiting times and overcrowded services.
And improving services in areas that currently lack good quality public transport will help benefit the communities that are most vulnerable from high petrol prices.
Government should also be looking at fares and what changes can be made to make public transport more affordable when the free period ends.
Introducing a weekly fare cap, which is important for Tap And Go fare payment, and also bringing back the short distance fare would mean public transport becomes more affordable and more cost-competitive with driving on a permanent basis.
Of course ultimately cost is not the only consideration people use when choosing their travel mode. Convenience matters, and the more the government can do to provide frequent, reliable, affordable and easy to use public transport, the more people will get on board.
Expanded version of an article from the PTUA’s March newsletter.
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Media coverage:
- Australasian Bus & Coach 1/4/2026: Free public transport boost welcomed but gaps remain
- The Age 1/4/2026: ‘You might be sitting on the floor’: Free travel headache for V/Line passengers
- ABC 31/4/2026: Passengers fear V/Line trains already hitting capacity as free travel begins