Victoria Announces Free Public Transport for All Children from January

The Victorian government has announced that public transport will be free for all children and teenagers under 18 starting January 1, 2026, through a new youth myki card valid across buses, trams, trains, and coach services, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressures for families. This initiative is expected to benefit over one million young Victorians and their families, with potential savings of up to $755 annually per child, costing the government $318 million over four years. Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the policy's intent to support families facing financial difficulties, while the government also introduced free weekend public transport for seniors statewide, expanding beyond existing regional zones. Additionally, the 2025/26 budget allocates $5 billion towards a public transport infrastructure boost, including major projects such as the Sunshine station superhub and enhancements to the Metro Tunnel and train service frequencies. While the policy has been welcomed as meaningful relief, some opposition voices highlighted ongoing concerns about property taxes and government spending. Overall, the measures reflect the government's focus on supporting working families and improving public transport accessibility across Victoria.