Public transport fares to rise across Victoria from January 2026, fuelling commuter anger over cost pressures; here’s everything you need to know about the new rates

Victorian commuters will pay higher public transport fares from January 1, 2026, after Transport Victoria confirmed a statewide fare increase following its annual review. The changes will see the daily full fare cap for Zone 1, Zone 1+2 metropolitan travel, and regional services rise by 40 cents, pushing the Zone 1+2 cap to $11.40. Concession, weekend and public holiday fares will also increase, adding to cost-of-living pressures already facing passengers across the state.

Victoria’s public transport network is a critical part of daily life, carrying millions of passengers each week across trains, trams, and buses in metropolitan and regional areas.

The daily full fare cap will rise to $11.40 from $11 for travel across Zones 1 and 2, while trips within Zone 2 alone will be capped at $7.20. Concession passengers will see the daily fare cap for travel across Zones 1 and 2 increase to $5.70.


Weekend and public holiday travel will also cost more, with the daily fare cap increasing to $8.00 for full-fare passengers and $4.00 for those on concession tickets.

According to News.com.au website, the announcement sparked a backlash online, with commuters taking to social media to condemn the increase. One user branded the hike “insane,” arguing that for groups of more than two people it is now cheaper to drive, even after factoring in fuel and parking costs. Another commenter said the higher fares would only intensify existing cost-of-living pressures, questioning how passengers were expected to cope when “most people don’t get annual pay rises.”

Transport Victoria said the fare rise follows its annual review and will be implemented statewide to ensure consistency and fairness. The agency added that fare revenue helps fund the operation of Victoria’s train, tram and bus network.