The Allan Labor Government has put millions of dollars back in the pockets of Victorians as they continue to enjoy free weekend travel put on as part of the Metro Tunnel's Summer Start.
Since the Metro Tunnel opened on 30 November to 11 January - passengers have taken 13 million free trips across trains, buses and trams as Victorians make the most of the free weekend travel up to and including 1 February.
On average, more than two million trips have been taken each free travel weekend, boosting patronage by more than 23 per cent compared with the same time last year and saving Victorians $17 million in fares so far.
No ticket or myki is needed to travel for free, if a myki is tapped on, no charge will be made. Some regional services still require a free reservation to manage seating allocations.
This comes as the Metro Tunnel is turning on a show during the summer holidays - a range of summer activities and entertainment is on display for families until 25 January.
Station explorers can follow clues and uncover hidden gems in a scavenger hunt across the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury lines, with Metro Tunnel merchandise and prizes up for grabs - this includes going into the draw for one of 10 $150 myki vouchers and a Metro Tunnel prize pack.
As part of the Metro Tunnel's Summer Start, more than 240 extra services are running along the Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury corridor every week - stopping at all five new stations - on top of existing services.
To celebrate, every passenger can travel across the public transport network for free every weekend up to and including 1 February. Children under 18 can also now catch public transport for free every day of the year with a Youth myki.
From 1 February, the Big Switch will fully integrate the Metro Tunnel into the network. The Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will run exclusively through the tunnels - adding 1,200 new services and delivering turn-up-and-go services across five new stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac.
Victorians are already loving the Metro Tunnel, with more than 600,000 passengers visiting the new Metro Tunnel stations.
Never forget, the Liberals called the Metro Tunnel a "hoax". The Victorian Liberals said it would divide the city, while the Federal Liberals refused to fund it. Never in their wildest dreams did they think it would actually get built. Labor opened it.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"Free weekend travel has already helped millions of Victorians get out and about this summer - exploring new Metro Tunnel stations, seeing family and friends, and enjoying everything our city has to offer."
"We're encouraging more Victorians and visitors to come explore our new Metro Tunnel stations, enjoy the summer activities and experience the biggest upgrade of Melbourne's train network since the City Loop."
