Free Rides for Rugrats: Victoria’s $318M Play to Help Families Save on Public Transport
Victoria's 2025/26 state budget will fund free public transport for kids under 18, starting January 2026, aiming to ease cost-of-living pressure on families. Opposition questions long-term affordability.
No Tickets, Just Tantrums: Kids Score Free PT in VIC
In a move that’s part Robin Hood, part damage control, the Victorian government has announced that children under 18 will ride public transport for free from January 2026.
Premier Jacinta Allan dropped the announcement on Sunday, saying the new youth-friendly policy could save households up to $755 per child each year — or a whopping $2265 for families with three kids. That’s a lot of Happy Meals or footy boots, depending on your priorities.
But while parents are quietly fist-pumping, critics are side-eyeing the $318 million price tag as the state’s debt inches towards Mount Everest levels.
Budget Breakdown: What the Numbers Say
| Budget Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total funding for youth fares | $318 million over 4 years |
| Annual saving per child | $755 |
| Families with 3 kids save up to | $2,265/year |
| Victoria’s projected debt (2028) | $187.3 billion |
| Daily debt servicing by 2028 | $25 million |
How It Works
- Kids aged 5–17 will score a new distinct-coloured “Youth myki” card.
- Must continue tapping on/off (no freeloading teens, thanks).
- Applies across all trains, trams, and buses statewide.
Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said keeping the tap-on system will help with tracking patronage and planning for more services — and maybe fewer delays on the Werribee line.
The Pollies React
Premier Jacinta Allan:
“It’s real money back into the pockets of working families — one less cost to stress over.”
Opposition Leader Brad Battin:
“Labor’s maxed out Victoria’s credit card and now they’re offering lollies before payday.”
Shadow Treasurer James Newbury:
“This government’s got a history of treating budgets like a 3am online shopping spree — underestimating spending by a country mile.”
Credit Where It’s Due?
With Victoria’s net debt heading toward $187.3 billion by mid-2028, some are asking whether a free ride for kids is a sound fiscal move, or just another spin of the government’s “Buy Now, Cry Later” budgeting carousel.
Premier Allan wouldn’t say if the planned return to surplus will now be delayed — but insists their economic “recovery plan” is solid. Translation: “Trust us, it’ll work out.”
And Now for Something Procedurally Awkward…
Jaclyn Symes, Victoria’s new Treasurer (and a member of the upper house), needed a formal resolution just to give her first budget speech in the lower house. Last time this happened? Way back when John Lenders held the job from the upper house between 2008 and 2010. Democracy, eh?
Is It Worth It?
For struggling families, absolutely. For the bean counters? Remains to be seen.
In the battle of budgets vs. backpacks, at least the kids are winning — and, come 2026, riding for free.
