Victorian Government free transport covers trains, trams, buses and V/Line for one month: What commuters need to know

The Victorian Government has announced free government transport across the state in April, offering free transport to Melbourne and regional travellers relief amid rising fuel prices due to war in the Middle east. The temporary measure will make free public transport available across metropolitan and regional services for one month.

All Victoria public transport services, including trains, trams, buses, and regional networks, will be free from Tuesday, March 31, to April 30.

"It's a temporary measure that's going to help Victorian families and households right now," Premier Jacinta Allan said. "It takes pressure off the demand at the petrol pump."



She added that while the move would not fully resolve cost-of-living pressures, it is an immediate step within the government’s control.

Tasmania's free public transport

The Government of Tasmania has also announced free public transport for residents, extending similar cost-of-living relief measures. The initiative goes a step further by offering free rides on buses and ferries for three months, from March 30 until July.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the government would waive fares during the period to help households manage rising fuel costs.

"We know the rising cost of fuel is impacting the family budget, and that's why we have again taken strong and decisive action to protect Tasmanians," Rockliff said in a media release on Sunday and posted this news on his X account.

Victorian government free transport: Free public transport across Victoria

The victoria public transport network will be free statewide from Tuesday 31 March to Thursday 30 April. This includes free public transport services, including ‘Melbourne trains, trams and buses; and regional trains, coaches and buses (including intertown and regional town bus services)'

Passengers do not need to tap on during this period, though doing so will not result in any charges, Transport Victoria says. Free travel applies only to trips within Victoria, with limited exceptions for travel to Albury, Mount Gambier and Deniliquin. Airport buses, ferries and privately run services are excluded.

Existing myki passes will not be charged during the victorian government free transport period and will be automatically extended once paid travel resumes, without passengers needing to contact transport authorities.

V/Line and regional services during VIC free public transport

For Victoria public transport users on regional routes, no ticket or myki is required. Seat reservations will not be available on V/Line train services during the free period. However, some coach services will still require seat reservations at zero cost to manage capacity.

“Seat reservations on some coach services are still required, at zero cost to manage seat capacity,” the agency said in a press release on Sunday, March 29.

Regional coach bookings can be made at staffed metropolitan and regional stations or through V/Line booking agents. Passengers who have already booked for travel during this period can apply for refunds online or visit staffed stations from March 31, with seat reservations still honoured after refunds are issued.

Group travel rules for Melbourne free public transport

Group travel requirements remain unchanged during the public transport-free period. Groups can request bookings for services within zones 1 and 2, as well as regional town bus networks. Separate arrangements continue for V/Line group travel bookings.