victorian free travel vouchers

Travel & transport

Tips for seniors for reducing the cost of travel

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Free travel vouchers, metropolitan travel, travel in regional victoria, other ways to cut your travel costs, travelling outside of victoria, other money-saving travel tips.

• Find out about the transport benefits you receive as a Seniors Card holder, such as free travel vouchers and free weekend travel between two adjacent zones.
• Cut your travel costs within and outside Victoria with the various hints and tips given below.

Your Victorian Seniors Card means you can enjoy discounted travel in Victoria and Australia-wide.

• Every Seniors Card holder receives free off-peak travel vouchers to use on public transport in Victoria.
• Register for your free vouchers at the PTV website www.ptv.vic.gov.au/vouchers External Link
• Each voucher can be exchanged for either: a V/Line off-peak daily ticket (going out and back on the same day); two V/Line off-peak single tickets (going out on one day and back on another); a 1 Day Travel Pass for travel in Zones 1 and 2.

From 1 November 2022, the Department of Transport is introducing more booking options to make it easier to redeem your free travel and visiting a station during opening hours to redeem your voucher for a ticket is no longer the only option.

• From 1 November 2022 Vouchers will be held electronically so you can choose to redeem vouchers at a staffed station or V/Line agent, or over the phone via the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) call centre.
• You can choose to collect your ticket from a station or agent prior to travel or call 10 business days in advance and have your ticket posted to you.
• And in 2023, you will also be able to redeem your vouchers online.
• Phone 1800 800 007 or visit the PTV website www.ptv.vic.gov.au External Link for more information or to make V/Line reservations. V/Line tickets are subject to availability at off-peak times.
• With a seniors myki you travel free on the weekend within one or two consecutive zones on all metropolitan trains, trams and buses – this includes to outlying metropolitan areas as far as Sunbury and Melton.
• During the week, you can still access discounted rates at all times on all routes with your seniors myki.
• If you take a trip in non-consecutive zones, or a trip of more than two zones, a fare for the whole trip will be charged.

Consider travelling by public transport in off-peak periods. It's less crowded and you still get a great discount with your Seniors Card.

• Travel free on the weekends on V/Line commuter rail services when using myki for trips of one or two consecutive zones (for example, Woodend to Gisborne).
• At other times, V/Line offers concession rates for Seniors Card holders through regional Victoria.
• Take advantage of off-peak rates during quieter times.
• Phone 1800 800 007 for more information or to pre-book tickets.
• The V/Line website lists all its fares and routes www.vline.com.au External Link .
• You can also travel free on regional town bus networks over the weekend in major regional cities such as Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mildura and Warrnambool. On regional town buses where myki is not operating, show your Victorian Seniors Card to travel free on weekends.

Myki works like an electronic purse for public transport. You have to top up the card’s balance whenever it runs low on funds.

The seniors myki offers discounted rates at all times on all routes. You pay no more than the seniors daily cap (zones 1 & 2) when you travel on weekdays.

How do I get a seniors myki?

New Seniors Card program applicants receive a seniors myki for free with their Seniors Card posted with a Welcome pack.

Seniors Business Discount Card holders are not eligible to receive a free Seniors myki card upon joining the program.

Once you have your seniors myki, you should register it. There are many benefits to registering your myki, including free card replacement card if it's lost or stolen. For more information on how to register, visit the Public Transport Victoria website External Link

And you can top it up at:

• Hundreds of shops including all 7-Eleven stores.
• Premium Stations as listed on the PTV website External Link .
• From myki machines at selected train stations and stops.
• Mobile myki app using your Android smartphone. For more information visit the PTV website. External Link
• Online at PTV website External Link .
• By calling PTV on 1800 800 007.

Remember - it's a condition that you carry your Seniors Card at all times when travelling on public transport as proof of your concession entitlement.

Replacement myki

Like many other cards, myki cards do expire, so keep track of your card’s expiry date. If your myki is registered and you have an online account – find your card expiry date online. If your myki is not registered, check the expiry date at a myki machine, myki check, or by calling 1800 800 007.

Even if you're travelling for free on the weekend, on myki-enabled services you must touch on and off as normal - you won't be charged.

Support for people with a disability or health issues

• All metropolitan trains are wheelchair accessible and low-floor trams and buses are available on some routes. Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchairs. More information on accessible transport is available from PTV on 1800 800 007 or www.ptv.vic.gov.au External Link .
• Travellers Aid Australia provides simple, practical travel-related support and aid that helps people travel independently and confidently. This support includes buggy and personal guidance services at Southern Cross Station, help getting to medical appointments in central Melbourne and mobility equipment hire. Centres are available at Flinders Street station (9610 2030) and Southern Cross station (9670 2072) or visit www.travellersaid.org.au External Link .
• Most V/Line trains and coaches can be accessed by wheelchair. Reservations are required for wheelchairs on V/Line coach services. Phone 1800 800 007 at least 24 hours before you travel to reserve a place.
• Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities who cannot access public transport independently may be eligible to join the Multi Purpose Taxi Program – a Victorian Government program that offers its members a 50 per cent subsidy on taxi fares of up to $60 per trip. Contact the Taxi Services Commission on 1800 638 802, or visit www.taxi.vic.gov.au External Link for more information.
• Car pool with a neighbour or friend when driving to the shops or running errands.
• The free City Circle tram service in the CBD takes in major tourist attractions, and links with other tram, train and bus routes in and around Melbourne. Trams run in both directions every 12 minutes between 10am and 6pm Sunday to Wednesday and extended hours, 10am to 9pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday (excludes Christmas Day and Good Friday). Contact Yarra Trams 1800 800 007 or visit www.yarratrams.com.au External Link to find out more.
• Cars can be expensive to maintain and keep on the road. If you’ve got easy access to public transport, why not sell your car?
• Many councils offer free or heavily discounted travel services (such as bus or shuttle services) to older residents. Contact your local council to find out what you are entitled to access.

Car not running well? Ask your local servo what discounts they offer before you purchase. Or visit Seniors Online to find discount auto services in your area. Visit the Discount Directory and scroll down to the 'Automotive Care' category.

You can even get a Seniors Card discount when washing your car. - Bill

• Take advantage of discounts from interstate Seniors Card participating businesses when you travel.
• Commonwealth offers to state and territory governments to provide reciprocal transport concessions for state seniors card holders will be withdrawn. While Victoria government at this stage will be continuing to provide interstate seniors with Victorian transport concessions, it is not clear whether other states will continue to do so. Please contact Seniors Card programs in each state and territory for information in this regard.
• You can use your Victorian Seniors Card with New Zealand retailers and traders. Visit the New Zealand SuperGold website at www.supergold.govt.nz External Link or call 0800 25 45 65 when in New Zealand.
• Take your Seniors Card when you travel overseas. Some overseas businesses will provide you with goodwill discounts if you ask.
• Check out the www.smartraveller.gov.au External Link website for useful travel information and advice.

We have used out Seniors Card when travelling at motels and other accommodation. We have always received a great discount. - Bill

• Check if your travel company offers discounts to Seniors Card holders.
• Travelling outside school holidays is always cheaper and travelling late at night or taking a longer route can be cheaper too – especially with flights. Consider going during the week instead of on the weekend or taking flights with stopovers.
• ‘Shoulder season’ – the time just before or after the peak holiday season – is a cheaper time to travel. The weather is still generally good in destination cities and there are fewer tourists.
• On most budget airlines you can avoid a baggage fee by only travelling with carry-on luggage.
• Cruise and tour companies often offer discounted rates close to the departure date. Try searching online for ‘cruises’ and ‘last-minute’ or ‘discount’.

Take a low-cost holiday with family or friends in regional Victoria or Melbourne by using your free travel vouchers and staying somewhere that offers a Seniors Card Discount. If you're on Seniors Online, choose the 'Accommodation' category in the Discount Directory .

Reviewed 01 March 2023

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11 Mar 2022

An initial 10,000 vouchers will be available exclusively to seniors from Tuesday 15 March. A further 140,000 vouchers will be open to all Victorians on Wednesday 23 March.

Both voucher schemes provide a $200 reimbursement to those who spend $400 or more on paid accommodation, tours and experiences in any location across the state. The vouchers will be limited to one per household and a minimum 2-night stay in paid accommodation is required.

Registrations for the Seniors Travel Scheme will open at 11am on 15 March and close at 5pm sharp on 19 March*, with successful recipients chosen by random ballot. To be eligible, residents must hold a valid Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card.

The Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme will open at 2pm on Wednesday 23 March and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Both voucher schemes will be valid for travel between 8 April and 27 May.

The Victorian and Seniors Travel Voucher Schemes expand on previous rounds of Melbourne and regional travel vouchers that saw eager travellers rush to secure the 200,000 on offer within minutes.

As a result of the Melbourne and regional travel vouchers, more than $159 million was spent on accommodation, tours and experiences across the state, with 116,000 claims made.

*Please note, the closing date of the Victorian and Senior Travel Vouchers has been changed to 11:59pm 14 June 2022.

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• Victorian Seniors Card travel savings

A Victorian Seniors Card gives you discounts on metropolitan transport and other travel services.

The Seniors Card is available to permanent residents of Australia, residing in Victoria aged 60 years or over who work less than 35 hours a week.

Cardholders can also access discounts on goods and services from participating businesses. Visit the Seniors Card Discount Directory to find discounts on travel, dining, entertainment and more.

Seniors Card holders receive the following discounts on public transport services:

• a free Seniors myki for accessing concession fares on public transport in Victoria at all times
• capped price travel anywhere in the state including V/Line train trips from 31 March 2023
• free travel within any two consecutive zones on Saturdays and Sundays
• free public transport travel vouchers to use in Victoria (opt-in required)
• free travel for eight days during the Victorian Seniors Festival across metropolitan and regional services.

For more information and to apply

To apply for the Victorian Seniors Card or find out more information:

• visit the Seniors card page of the Seniors Online website , or
• phone the Seniors Card team on 1300 797 210.

New Victorian Seniors Card applicants will be automatically sent a free Seniors myki.

For more information about public transport fares:

• visit the Public Transport Victoria website , or
• phone Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.
• Motor vehicle registration fee
• Public transport concessions
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) insurance charge concession
• Victorian pensioner free travel vouchers

Last updated on 03/04/2023

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Senior Victorians encouraged to travel as industry faces last hurdles to COVID recovery

Tourism operators are reporting their busiest Easter weekend in three years as another round of travel vouchers are being offered to senior Victorians.

Key points:

• Successful seniors have until May 27 to use the $200 travel vouchers
• It's the second time vouchers have specifically targetted senior travellers
• Tourism operators say visitor numbers are no longer what is stopping the industry from recovering from the pandemic

A further 10,000 vouchers worth $200 each are being issued to senior travellers who spend at least $400 on accommodation, tours and experiences across the state.

The Victorian government scheme aims to help the entertainment, dining, and travel industries recover from two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures.

The vouchers will be given to senior Victorians who applied for the last round of the scheme.

Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said there were more than 35,000 applications under the first round of the Seniors Travel Voucher scheme in March.

"I would recommend that any senior Victorian who made application through our ballot process for a travel voucher check their email today and see if they are indeed a recipient of these additional vouchers that have been made available," Ms Thomas said.

The government said the Victorian and Seniors Travel Voucher Scheme had so far injected $159 million dollars into the state's economy.

"It's a really great time with school holidays upon us to take the opportunity perhaps to get out with grandchildren and spend some time with them and, importantly, take the opportunity to have a couple of nights away," Ms Thomas said.

Victoria Tourism Industry chief executive Felicia Mariani said offering another round of vouchers to seniors would be particularly helpful as the industry entered the quieter, post-Easter period and headed into winter.

"These vouchers at this point in time are incredibly useful because they really do help to encourage visitation when the industry needs it the most," Ms Mariani said. 

Bumper Easter weekend but staff shortages continue to plague the tourism industry

While figures are yet to be official collated, Ms Mariani said Victorian tourism operators were reporting their busiest Easter since the pandemic began.

"Many of the regions that I've been talking to, our members have told us that they've had the best season this year that they'd had since 2019 and, in many cases, they are exceeding performance."

She attributed the recovery to Victorians wanting to travel "in their own backyard" and an influx of interstate visitors attracted by the return of major events.

"But everyone is a bit wary that we are heading into winter and we all know that winter is the hardest time when it comes to what we've experienced with COVID."

Ms Mariani said demand was not an issue for the industry now that there was no longer a threat of lockdowns or snap border closures.

She said finding enough staff continued to be the main hurdle to recording a full recovery.

"We've seen that manifested over the last week with the scenes at both Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport and this is a chronic problem across the whole country. This is not endemic to Victoria," she said.

Ms Mariani called for the formation of an industry body involving operators who could work with state and federal governments on solutions.

"A lot of the issues to resolve this matter are not levers that the state government can pull," she said.

"They are levers relating to federal government ruling over immigration, over skilled migration visas, over international students, over backpackers and the numbers of those cohorts that are able to enter the country."

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Public transport travel discounts

Information to support carers and Carer Card holders.

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All Victorian Carer Card (We Care) holders are eligible for concession fares, free weekend travel and free travel during Carers week.

A Victorian Carer Card (We Care) entitles holders to free weekend travel in any in two consecutive zones. Cardholders also have access to two or four free off-peak travel vouchers per year (depending on where you live).

You will need to register for free travel vouchers via PTV's website .

For further information visit the   Public Transport Victoria website   or call 1800 800 007 (6.00am - midnight daily).

Free Travel Vouchers This Festive Season

The Andrews Labor Government will give away 250,000 free public transport travel vouchers to Victorians heading back to the city for some of Melbourne’s most exciting events and attractions throughout December and January.

To promote a safe return to Melbourne’s CBD, there will be 50,000 vouchers available for five different event categories to encourage Victorians to head into the city and enjoy their day. These include Christmas events, galleries and attractions, dining, performing arts, and shopping.

The vouchers will be available through the PTV website from Thursday 16 December and will be emailed to passengers, so they can be printed or viewed on a smartphone. Passengers will simply show the voucher to station staff when entering or exiting the public transport network on the valid date of travel.

The Labor Government will also provide free public transport on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve so Victorians can take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends across the state this year.

On Christmas Day, metropolitan and regional public transport will be free from 3am until 3am on Boxing Day and will run to a regular public holiday timetable.

Passengers on reserved V/Line services still need to book their travel so they can be issued a ticket free of charge.

On New Year’s Eve, Victorians will be able to welcome in 2022 across the state, with all train, tram and bus services free from 6pm on 31 December until 6am on 1 January. The first V/Line train services departing Melbourne on each line will also be free, even if they leave after 6am on New Year’s Day. Customers travelling during these free travel periods do not need to touch on or off with their myki.

A normal weekday public transport timetable will be in place between 6pm and midnight on New Year’s Eve, with additional services after midnight.

Metropolitan trains will run to a 15-minute frequency between midnight and 1am, a 30-minute frequency between 1am and 2am, and every hour from 2am. On the tram network, most services will operate all night – running to a 15 to 20-minute frequency between midnight and 2am, and every 60 minutes from 2am.

The newly expanded Night Network bus service will also run all night, with 34 routes helping Melbourne residents get to within 1km of a train, tram, bus or coach overnight service to help them get around.

From 1 January 2022, metropolitan public transport fares will increase by 2.3 per cent on average – which is lower than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.9 per cent.

After freezing fares last year, the increase will add 20 cents to the daily Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 1+2 metropolitan fares.

The average regional fare increase across the network will be 1.1 per cent.

For regional Victorians, the cost of getting around town will remain unchanged, with the regional town bus fare remaining at $2.40 for a two-hour fare or $4.80 for a daily fare – for the seventh consecutive year.

For information and to plan your journey on Christmas or New Year’s Eve visit ptv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“Victorians will no doubt be keen this festive season to celebrate their hard-won freedom, so we’re making sure they have travel options to do just that.”

“This year, we’re not only making public transport free on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, we are also giving Melbourne a quarter of a million free reasons to head into the city this Summer to enjoy the best Melbourne has to offer.”

“After freezing fares last year, we’re keeping this year’s public transport fare rise as low as possible to allow us to support a sustainable return to public transport.”

Reviewed 12 December 2021

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Register now for your free 2020 travel vouchers

Each year, the Victorian Government issues free travel vouchers to eligible seniors. You’re eligible if you:

• are a Victorian resident and
• hold a Victorian Seniors Card, a Centrelink or DVA pensioner concession card or a Victorian Carer (‘We Care’) card .

Depending on where you live, you can receive two or four off-peak free travel vouchers each year.

However, the government is no longer sending the vouchers automatically. Instead, you need to register for the new system by 31 July 2020 . There are three ways to opt in:

• Register online on the PTV website .
• Pick up a registration form at any staffed train station and post it back to PTV (completed forms cannot be left at staffed stations).
• Visit a PTV Hub in Geelong, Bendigo or Melbourne CBD with your eligible concession card .

Eligible card holders who are self-isolating can instead call PTV Customer Service on 1800 800 007 (or 9321 5450 for other languages).

For more information about the changes to free travel vouchers visit the PTV website.

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Changes to concessional travel in Victoria and NSW

Changes to NSW and Victorian concession travel arrangements from 1 January 2022.

Victoria’s free travel voucher scheme

Victoria’s free public transport voucher program is changing significantly. From 1 January 2022, Victorian residents will no longer receive free travel vouchers. The program has moved to an ‘opt-in’ program, with eligible DVA clients now having to register with Public Transport Victoria (PTV) to continue receiving free travel vouchers annually.

You can register online for free travel vouchers or in person at a PTV Hub. Register by 31 July 2021 to receive your 2022 vouchers in September/October 2021. If you register after 31 July 2021, you will receive your vouchers in the following year’s mail-out. You only need to register once and the vouchers will be mailed to you each year, provided you remain eligible.

If you have already registered through PTV’s other eligibility categories, such as a Senior or Carer, you don’t need to register again. This is because the free voucher scheme has been streamlined, which means all eligible customers get access to the same entitlement, regardless of your concession category.

As part of the new voucher program, PTV is phasing out peak-free travel vouchers. However, eligible DVA clients who previously received one peak voucher per year will now be eligible for two or four off-peak vouchers annually (depending on where you live — metro or regional).

For more information, visit the Public Transport Victoria’s Free travel vouchers webpage or call 1800 800 007 .

Update on NSW War Widow/er Transport Concession Card

From 1 January 2022, NSW war widows/ers will no longer receive their NSW War Widow/er Transport Concession Card.

Instead, you can now use your Veteran Gold Card to apply for a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card. This will enable you to travel on senior/pensioner fares in NSW at the same reduced rate.

Keep your Veteran Gold Card with you as proof of entitlement for concession fares.

You can apply for a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card on the Opal website . Make sure you have your NSW Pensioner Concession or DVA Veteran Gold card handy to confirm your eligibility.

Interstate seniors can apply for a Gold Opal card on the Opal website or by printing the Interstate Seniors application form available on the Transport NSW website and following the instructions provided. You will need to apply 2–3 weeks before travelling to NSW.

To find out more, visit Transport NSW’s Veterans and War Widow/ers webpage .