Victoria’s government has announced that carers and Disability Support Pension recipients will be able to travel free on weekends anywhere across the state, timed with the opening of the Metro Tunnel and a new pedestrian underpass at Parkville Station.
The offer forms part of a broader period of free weekend public transport for all Victorians from this Sunday until 1 February 2026, while the network adjusts to new timetables and infrastructure. After that point, the ongoing free travel commitment will apply to around 300,000 eligible people holding Carer Cards or Disability Support Pension concessions. The government estimates that regular travellers could save more than 360 dollars a year under the scheme.
Under the current system, carers receive free travel only within two neighbouring zones, limiting longer journeys. The expanded offering means free travel across the state on trains, trams and buses, including from regional centres such as Wodonga or Warrnambool. Travellers will continue to tap on and off using a myki card but will not be charged, while still needing to carry proof of eligibility.
The announcement coincides with the opening of the new pedestrian underpass at Parkville Station, located 25 metres underground and connecting entrances to The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the University of Melbourne. The walkway is fully accessible and outside the ticketed area, meaning no myki is required to use it. Parkville is one of the state’s busiest medical and education precincts, with more than 73,000 workers and 55,000 students.
The Metro Tunnel project, which opens to passengers on Sunday, is described by the government as the biggest change to Victoria’s rail network in four decades. It is expected to increase capacity and deliver more weekly services as five new underground stations come online.
Supporters of the transport changes say they will provide practical financial relief for carers, families and older travellers while improving access to hospitals and universities. They also argue that easing travel costs may encourage more use of public transport at a time when road congestion and cost-of-living pressures remain major concerns.
The opposition has previously raised questions about the overall cost of major infrastructure projects and long-term budget impacts. Critics have called for more detail on funding commitments and ongoing operational expenditure, particularly as the government continues to invest heavily in rail upgrades. They maintain that transparency on final project costs and measurable benefits will be important as the system beds in.
Advocacy groups representing carers and people with disabilities have generally welcomed the announcement, describing travel affordability as central to social participation, healthcare access and community engagement.
The government has also flagged upcoming initiatives including free travel for children every day from next year and free weekend travel for seniors, alongside the existing regional fare cap which has already reduced travel costs for many regional residents.
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