Overview: a summer of free weekend travel
Victorian commuters will benefit from free public transport on weekends for two months, from the Metro Tunnel’s opening in early December until 1 February. The policy, described by the premier as a “thank you” to passengers for enduring years of travel disruptions caused by Metro Tunnel construction, aims to encourage people to try the city’s upgraded network while testing the new system in real-world conditions.
How the free weekends will operate
During the two-month window, passengers won’t be charged for weekend travel on trains, trams, and buses across Victoria. The Myki tap-on/tap-off requirement will be suspended for these weekends, meaning people can travel without paying, though taps will still show the travel if used. A small caveat applies to some regional V/Line services, which will continue to require reservations; these reservations will be free of charge.
The Metro Tunnel’s role and initial timetable
The Metro Tunnel links the Sunbury line in Melbourne’s west with the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines in the south-east via five new underground city stations. The tunnel’s opening will mark a major milestone in Melbourne’s public transport history, though the initial two-month period will feature reduced capacity and services outside peak times as operators undertake additional testing.
In the first phase of operation, trains will run through the new tunnel every 20 minutes from Westall (on the Cranbourne-Pakenham line) and West Footscray (on the Sunbury line) between 10am and 3pm on weekdays. On weekends, services will run every 20 minutes from 10am to 7pm, with the timetable extending to East Pakenham every 40 minutes and Sunbury every 60 minutes. These 240 additional services will complement existing trains that continue to operate through the City Loop.
Transition to full operation: the big switch
From 1 February, the Cranbourne-Pakenham and Sunbury lines will exit the City Loop and operate exclusively through the Metro Tunnel. The Frankston line will join the loop. This transition, dubbed the “big switch,” will coincide with a major timetable overhaul, increasing overall services and introducing a more frequent schedule across the network.
Officials have unveiled plans for a revised timetable featuring roughly 1,000 extra weekly services on the Cranbourne-Pakenham and Sunbury lines. During peak periods, trains are expected to run as often as every three to four minutes, creating a more “turn up and go” experience for riders. Between Watergardens and Dandenong, services will operate every 10 minutes from 6am to 10pm, subject to network conditions.
Budget impact and public reception
The two-month free weekend initiative is projected to cost about $15 million in forgone revenue. The government has said the cost will be absorbed within the transport department’s budget, citing the long-term benefits of a more reliable and expanded network. Premier and transport officials argue the move is a practical gesture to acknowledge the disruption Victorians have faced and to invite more people to experience the improved service first-hand.
Looking ahead: what this means for riders
For commuters, the policy offers a rare opportunity to test ride the upgraded infrastructure without worrying about fare costs on weekends. It also serves as a live pilot for the full schedule, helping to identify and resolve any issues before the standard fares resume. As Melbourne’s public transport network undergoes a transformative upgrade, residents can expect better connectivity, shorter wait times, and more reliable services across both inner-city routes and regional lines.
Regional considerations
While the weekend free travel applies state-wide on weekends, regional V/Line services remain subject to reservations at no charge. Travelers planning trips outside Melbourne should check the latest regional timetables to ensure they don’t encounter unexpected restrictions or delays.
Overall, Victorians stand to benefit from a well-timed demonstration of the Metro Tunnel’s capabilities, while enjoying a cost-free weekend ride as the network transitions into its new era of frequent, reliable service.
