Starting from January 1, 2026, under 18-year-olds in Victoria will be able to access free public transport in what the Victorian Student Representative Council is calling a “big win” for all Victorian students.
Victorian students have said public transport has been a “big priority” since 2022, naming it as a significant barrier for some students that can limit their access to education and impact their overall engagement with school.
This policy initiative by the Victorian State Government will reduce barriers to education and extra curriculars and support the independence of students.
Free and accessible public transport continued to be a priority in VicSRC’s 2024 Congress Report, especially for regional and rural students, and students from low socio-economic backgrounds. VicSRC is looking forward to seeing the positive impacts this will have for all students starting from 2026.
This policy initiative by the Victorian State Government will reduce barriers to education and extra curriculars and support the independence of students. It also brings Victoria in line with other states such as Western Australia who offer free public transport for people under 18.
Imogen, (she/they) a year 11 regional student, says ““[t]he announcement of free public transport for under 18s will greatly benefit a wide range of students and young people, especially those who live in regional areas, are not within walking distance of school, and/or have limited access to a car.”
“As a regional student who has to travel into my local city centre and Melbourne CBD often via public transport, I know firsthand that this policy will ensure both primary and secondary regional-based students can have easier access to the education they deserve.”
Fatima (she/her), a year 10 student from metropolitan Melbourne, says free public transport for under 18-year-olds is a “necessity”.
We’ve heard loud and clear that affordable transport isn’t just wanted, it’s essential.
“Students need an independent mode of transport – it makes education more accessible and improves attendance, all while encouraging students to develop good habits when using public transport … As a major advocacy area of VicSRC for multiple years, free PTV for under 18s is a big win for the organisation, and I look forward to seeing how it’s implemented and the benefits this change brings”.
VicSRC’s CEO, Julia Baron (she/her) welcomes this overdue policy. “This policy is a big win for students across Victoria. We’ve heard loud and clear that affordable transport isn’t just wanted, it’s essential. We are thrilled to see the Ministers for Education and Transport Infrastructure working together to make this happen and look forward to seeing a truly free ‘youth myki’ that benefits all students, especially those in rural and regional areas and from low socio-economic backgrounds.”
