Public transport is now free for every child across Victoria, with the State Government extending zero fares to all passengers under 18 who hold a Youth myki card.
The change, announced by Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, means children and teenagers can travel on trains, trams and buses anywhere in the state without paying a fare.
“Free public transport for every child, every day, everywhere—from today,” Mr Carroll said.
The policy is aimed at easing cost pressures on families, particularly those with more than one child using public transport regularly. A yearly student pass in 2025 cost $755, meaning a family with three children faced an annual bill of $2,265. Students without a yearly pass who relied on daily fares four times a week spent about $1,144 a year.
“This will put money back in the pockets of parents right across Victoria and make life just that little bit easier,” Mr Carroll said.
More than one million young Victorians aged between five and 17 are eligible for the Youth myki card. While travel is free, passengers must still carry their card and tap on and off to move smoothly through the network.
Ms Williams described the measure as direct relief for households juggling everyday expenses.
“This is real, practical, cost of living relief for Victorian families. Whether it’s travelling to the city, to regional Victoria or just around the corner—it’s now free for every child,” she said.
Youth myki cards are available for $5 and can be purchased online through Transport Victoria or in person at staffed stations.
The move sits alongside other fare changes already in place, including the regional fare cap, which the Government says has saved travellers more than $174 million. Free travel is also available across the public transport network every weekend until Sunday, 1 February, to mark the opening of the Metro Tunnel.
Ms Williams said the focus remained on improving access alongside affordability.
“We’re adding more services across our public transport network, to provide Victorians with more options to get to appointments, work and social activities,” she said.
Further details on eligibility and Youth myki cards are available at transport.vic.gov.au.
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