The Andrews Labor Government will make all night public transport on weekends a permanent feature of the world’s most liveable city.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan joined hospitality and healthcare workers today to announce $193.2 million over the next four years to make Night Network permanent.
The landmark Night Network trial, a key election commitment of the Labor Government, was due to end 30 June 2017.
The Victorian Budget 2017/18 provides funding to continue delivering this safe, affordable and convenient service for people out for the night or working late.
More than two million trips have been taken on overnight trains, trams, buses and regional coaches since the Labor Government introduced Night Network at the start of last year.
More than 20 per cent of the people using Night Network are shift workers, getting home after a night serving drinks, staffing our hospitals or keeping us safe.
The rest are locals and visitors staying out later and enjoying Melbourne’s vibrant night life for longer.
Melbourne prides itself on being a 24-hour city. It’s the only city in Australia that people from around the world can flock to and experience culture, sport, and nightlife – and get home on public transport – around the clock.
Night Network passenger feedback and movement patterns are currently being collated and analysed by Public Transport Victoria. This assessment will be considered over the coming months to improve services after 30 June.
Until then, all night trains, trams, buses and regional coaches will continue to run as they are now. For more information, visit ptv.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
"The best cities in the world don’t stop when the sun goes down – and neither does Melbourne."
"Night Network is part of what keeps Melbourne the world’s most liveable city, and it’s here to stay."
"It provides a safe, easy and affordable way to get home – whether you’re out for the night or work late for a living. Thousands of people now rely on Night Network and it’s not going anywhere."
Reviewed 19 August 2020