Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is to issue free travel vouchers to people celebrating Christmas and New Year in Melbourne’s CBD, ahead of a general fare increase across most of the network next year.
Announced by Minister for Public Transport, Ben Carroll, 250,000 free public transport travel vouchers are now up for grabs to help people get to and from the city in December and January.
“To promote a safe return to Melbourne’s CBD, there will be 50,000 vouchers available for five different event categories to encourage Victorians to head into the city and enjoy their day,” Mr Carroll said.
“These include Christmas events, galleries and attractions, dining, performing arts and shopping,” he said.
“Passengers will simply show the voucher to station staff when entering or exiting the public transport network on the valid date of travel.”
Mr Carroll said free public transport would also be available on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
The Minister said that, from 1 January, metropolitan public transport fares would increase by 2.3 per cent on average, which he said was lower than the Consumer Price Index of 2.9 per cent.
“After freezing fares last year, the increase will add 20 cents to the daily Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 1+2 metropolitan fares,” he said.
“The average regional fare increase across the network will be 1.1 per cent.”
Mr Carroll said for regional Victorians, the cost of getting around town would remain unchanged, with the regional town bus fare remaining at $2.40 for a two-hour fare or $4.80 for a daily fare.
Further information on the travel vouchers can be accessed at this PS News link.
