Seniors across Victoria will be able to ride for free on trains, trams and buses every weekend from January 2026, under a new initiative announced in the Victorian Budget 2025/26.
The move by the Allan Labor Government is aimed at easing everyday costs for older Victorians, with more than 650,000 Seniors Card holders set to benefit. The change will apply across the entire state, removing previous limitations that only allowed free weekend travel within two adjacent fare zones.
Currently, a senior in Melbourne can travel to Ringwood or Werribee for free on weekends, but not to Bendigo or Ballarat without incurring extra charges. That’s about to change. From the first weekend of the new year, seniors will be able to criss-cross the state—from Wodonga to Warrnambool, from Ballarat to Bairnsdale—without paying a cent for public transport on Saturdays and Sundays.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the move was part of a broader effort to reduce living costs and support older Victorians. “Costs can add up—especially for seniors—and I’m on their side,” she said. “That’s why we’re making public transport free on weekends for seniors, saving them more than $360 every year.”
The $360 figure is based on projected weekend travel savings for active commuters. For many, this change could open up opportunities to travel beyond their usual routes—to spend time with family, explore regional art galleries, attend local festivals or visit attractions without needing to factor in transport expenses.
The policy also builds on earlier fare reforms. Before the Labor Government’s regional fare cap in 2023, a daily concession trip from Bendigo to Melbourne would cost $24.08, and from Albury to Melbourne, $41.20. Since the cap, the maximum daily fare has been kept in check, but the new policy takes it further—offering total fare relief for seniors on weekends.
Minister for Public Transport Gabrielle Williams said the move complements service upgrades made over the last two years. “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.”
The timing of the announcement comes as regional towns continue to see steady growth in visitor numbers. Local tourism operators may well see this as a bonus, with more retirees likely to visit weekend markets, museums and nature trails that had once seemed out of reach.
To take advantage of the free travel, seniors must use their existing Senior myki card to touch on and off, as usual. The card will register the trip, but no fare will be deducted. This helps maintain usage records while avoiding misuse. Travellers must carry their Victorian Seniors Card as proof of eligibility, and the weekday 50 per cent concession remains in place.
To qualify for a Seniors myki, one must be a permanent Victorian resident aged 60 or older and working less than 35 hours a week.
Since the introduction of the regional fare cap in 2023, more than 50 million trips have been taken under the revised pricing scheme, saving passengers an estimated $132 million. During the same period, nearly 200 extra weekend V/Line services were added across Victoria’s network—another boost for accessibility.
For seniors who have long felt the pinch when trying to stay connected or simply enjoy a day out, the policy is likely to bring real relief. For those in regional towns, it may also serve as a quiet invitation—to welcome more weekend visitors from across the state.
Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said the government’s focus remains on the issues that matter. “We’re focused on what matters most—easing cost of living pressures and making it easier for regional seniors to get around and visit loved ones.”
Victoria’s older population is among the fastest-growing demographics in the state. With healthcare, social isolation and rising costs top of mind, access to affordable—and now free—mobility is likely to be well received.
For now, it’s a move that puts weekend freedom squarely in the hands of those who’ve earned it.
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