Victorian children to get free public transport in cost-of-living budget relief
The Victorian government will make public transport free for all children from next year in a bid to relieve cost-of-living pressures.
Starting from January 1, 2026, everyone under 18 will be able to access a "youth" myki card, allowing free travel across Victoria's trams, trains, buses and coach services.
The myki will stay valid until the child turns 18.
The policy could help families save hundreds of dollars. A student public transport pass costs $755 a year.
The government expects the policy to benefit 1 million young Victorians and their families.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said every child in the state would have access to a youth myki.
"Families are doing it tough and I'm on their side," she said.
On Saturday, the government announced seniors would also be eligible for free travel across the state's public transport network on weekends from next year.
Seniors card holders can already travel for free on weekends across two "neighbouring zones", which includes anywhere within metropolitan Melbourne, and from Morwell to Traralgon or Macedon to Woodend in regional Victoria.
The announcements come days before the Victorian government lays down its budget for the next financial year, amid criticism of its rising debt and spending on infrastructure projects.
The ABC understands free public transport for children will cost the government $318 million over four years.
On Saturday, Ms Allan said her government would hand down a "responsible" budget.
"Investing in schools and hospitals, community safety — [we're] focused on those things that matter to working people and their families," Ms Allan said.
Victorian shadow treasurer James Newbury said while free public transport would provide cost-of-living relief, property taxes continued to be a burden on families, including the new emergency services tax passed in parliament last week.
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