Free fares boost public transport ridership in Australia

Passenger numbers on public transport in the Australian state of Victoria have surged back towards pre-pandemic levels after a temporary free-fares scheme drove a sharp increase in ridership, according to The Age.

The figures come as the Victorian Government, led by Premier Jacinta Allan, extended free travel across the state until the end of May before introducing half-price fares for the remainder of 2026 as part of a broader cost-of-living support package and as a temporary response to rising fuel prices linked to conflict in the Middle East.

The Age reported that weekday public transport use had risen sharply during April following the introduction of free travel, with rail patronage in Melbourne reaching its highest levels since COVID-19 (April 2018 and 2019 when approximately 49 million trips were recorded) and broader network usage moving closer to pre-pandemic levels. Increased demand was also reported across regional services.

The Victorian Government announced on 19 April that it would invest AU$432 million to extend free travel and then halve fares from 1 June until 1 January 2027. Under the programme, metropolitan trains, trams and buses and regional public transport services across Victoria remain free until 31 May. From June, the state-wide capped daily fare will fall from AU$11.40 to AU$5.70.

ABC News reported that increased ridership helped support the decision to extend the initiative, with the government also arguing the policy could reduce fuel demand and encourage people out of private vehicles. The broadcaster noted that some regional services experienced heavy crowding during holiday periods as free travel drove a sharp increase in passenger numbers.

Allan said: “Free travel now–cheaper fares next. As Premier, I’m determined to do everything in my control to help Victorians who are under pressure.”

While the measure remains temporary, its early impact has reignited debate about whether lower fares can become a long-term tool for increasing public transport use.

Victoria, Australia’s second most populous state and home to Melbourne, operates one of the country’s largest public transport systems, with extensive metropolitan rail, tram and bus networks alongside regional rail and coach services. Melbourne itself has the world’s largest tram network.

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