Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 What is Changing in Victorian Public Transport in 2026?
- 3 Who Gets Free Travel Under the New Policy?
- 4 What is the Youth Myki Card?
- 5 How Much Will Families Save?
- 6 Which Public Transport Services are Included?
- 7 What is Changing for Seniors in 2026?
- 8 Why is the Government Making Public Transport Free for Under-18s?
- 9 When Will the New Free Travel Start?
- 10 How Will Seniors Benefit from the Weekend Free Travel?
- 11 Impact on Public Transport Use
- 12 How to Get the New Youth Myki Card
- 13 How Will This Affect Regional Victoria?
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
| Subject | Detail |
|---|---|
| Youth Myki Card | New card allowing free travel for all Victorians under 18 on trams, trains, buses, and coaches every day of the week |
| Seniors Travel | Seniors Card holders to enjoy free travel anywhere in Victoria on weekends |
| Savings | Families currently paying $755 per year for a student pass will save the full cost |
| Launch Date | Policy takes effect 1 January 2026 |
| Coverage | Applies to all metropolitan and regional services in Victoria |
| Purpose | Aims to reduce transport costs, increase public transport use, and support accessibility |
From 1 January 2026, public transport will be free for all Victorians under 18, and Seniors Card holders will get free travel anywhere in the state on weekends.
This is a major cost-of-living relief measure, replacing the current student pass fee of $755 per year and expanding seniors’ benefits beyond the current two-zone weekend limit.
The change covers trams, trains, buses, and regional coaches, creating a state-wide benefit for families and older residents.
What is Changing in Victorian Public Transport in 2026?
The Victorian Government is introducing a new Youth Myki card from January 1, 2026, giving under-18s unlimited free travel on all public transport, seven days a week.
Who Gets Free Travel Under the New Policy?
All Victorians under 18 and Seniors Card holders benefit from the change.
- Under-18s get free travel every day.
- Seniors get free travel anywhere in Victoria on weekends.
What is the Youth Myki Card?
The Youth Myki card is a special smartcard that allows free travel for people aged under 18 across trams, trains, buses, and regional coaches.
How Much Will Families Save?
Families currently pay $755 per year for a Victorian Student Pass. From 2026, they will save the full amount.
Which Public Transport Services are Included?
All metropolitan and regional public transport services in Victoria are covered, including:
- Metropolitan trains
- Trams
- Metropolitan and regional buses
- V/Line trains and coaches
What is Changing for Seniors in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, Seniors Card holders will have free travel anywhere in Victoria on weekends. This replaces the current weekend concession limit of two zones.
Why is the Government Making Public Transport Free for Under-18s?
The policy aims to reduce cost-of-living pressure, encourage public transport use, and improve access to education, sport, and social activities for young people.
When Will the New Free Travel Start?
The new rules take effect on 1 January 2026 across the entire Victorian public transport network.
How Will Seniors Benefit from the Weekend Free Travel?
Seniors will be able to take V/Line trips to regional areas or travel across Melbourne without paying a fare on Saturdays and Sundays.
Impact on Public Transport Use
Government modelling suggests a significant increase in travel demand among youth and seniors, particularly for regional tourism on weekends.
How to Get the New Youth Myki Card
Full details will be released closer to the launch date, but it is expected that:
- Applications will be available online and at major stations.
- Proof of age will be required.
- The card will be issued free of charge.
How Will This Affect Regional Victoria?
The change gives regional students and seniors the same free travel rights as those in Melbourne, making long-distance travel more affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will under-18s need to apply for the Youth Myki card?
Yes, an application process will be required.
Does the free travel apply on public holidays?
Yes, the benefit is valid every day of the year.
Can seniors use the free weekend travel on V/Line trains?
Yes, it applies to the entire V/Line network.
Is the Youth Myki available for visitors?
No, it is for Victorian residents under 18.
Will students over 18 still pay for travel?
Yes, standard fares apply after turning 18.
How do I apply for the Youth Myki card in Victoria?
Applications for the Youth Myki card will open in late 2025 through the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website, selected stations, and some retail outlets.
Is the Youth Myki valid during school holidays?
Yes, the Youth Myki offers free travel every day of the year, including school holidays.
Will my existing Student Pass be refunded in 2026?
Yes, if you have paid for a Student Pass covering dates after January 1, 2026, you will receive a pro-rata refund.
Does the free travel apply to Night Network services?
Yes, under-18s and seniors can travel free on all Night Network services that operate on weekends.
Are V/Line long-distance trains included in the free travel policy?
Yes, the free travel covers all V/Line services, including long-distance regional routes.
Will seniors need a special ticket for weekend free travel?
No, seniors can use their existing Seniors Myki card, and the fare will automatically be set to zero on weekends.
Does the Youth Myki work in other Australian states?
No, the Youth Myki is valid only on Victorian public transport.
Can under-18s use the free travel to attend sporting events in Melbourne?
Yes, the free travel applies to any purpose, including trips to sporting events, concerts, and other activities.
Will the Youth Myki have an expiry date?
Yes, the card will expire on the holder’s 18th birthday, after which standard fares apply.
Is proof of Victorian residency required for the Youth Myki?
Yes, applicants will need to provide evidence of a Victorian address, such as a school enrolment or utility bill.
Myki fare Calculator
Families and seniors can model real trips and see the savings with our Victorian Public Transport Fare Calculator.
Use it to compare what you paid before 2026 against what you will pay now, check zero fares for Youth Myki trips, and confirm that senior weekend journeys across Victoria are priced at zero.
