The Victorian Government has announced an initiative to support older Victorians during the upcoming Victorian Seniors Festival, offering eight days of free public transport for Seniors Card holders. This program aims to encourage over a million cardholders to explore the state’s attractions and participate in festival events.
From October 6 to October 13, Seniors Card holders can travel for free on all forms of public transport, including trams, trains, buses, and coach services across metropolitan, regional, and rural areas. Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams visited Flinders Street Station to promote this initiative.
“These eight days of free travel are all about celebrating our older Victorians and helping them to fully embrace the fantastic Seniors Festival events across the state,” Minister Stitt said.
To take advantage of the free travel, seniors must carry their Seniors Card and touch on and off using their Myki cards, which will not incur any charges during this period. The Victorian Seniors Festival, now in its 42nd year, features a month-long program filled with various free or low-cost activities designed to engage older Victorians under the theme “Explore. Engage. Evolve.” This theme encourages seniors to maintain their curiosity by trying new activities and meeting new people.
“Throughout the festival, seniors get free rides on public transport across the state – exploring new places and participating in engaging events during these eight days of free public travel,” Minister Stitt said.
The festival will host over 2,000 events organized by the Labor Government, local councils, community organizations, and cultural partners. Activities include musical theatre performances at Club Broadway and guided bike tours through Geelong as part of the On Ya Bike 2024 Seniors Festival Series. Additionally, seniors can enjoy day trips to historical sites like Maryborough in the Goldfields region.
“This is the perfect chance for seniors to see new parts of our state, revisit favourite spots, and enjoy everything Victoria has on offer,” Minister Williams said.
For more details on the free public transport initiative or to explore the full range of events during the Victorian Seniors Festival, seniors are encouraged to visit the official website.
