Melbourne’s 24-hour weekend public transport system to become permanent
Herald Sun
April 22, 2017

THE 24-hour weekend public transport system is here to stay, after the government announced the 18-month trial would be made permanent.   

The move will cost about $50 million a year to keep metro train, trams and buses running around the clock throughout the weekend.

V/Line buses to regional centres — Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo — are also part of the night network.

The network has attracted criticism with figures showing some bus services have virtually no passengers.

But Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan said on an average weekend about 33,000 people use the network.

She said there had been more than 2 million trips since the trial started in early 2016. The policy was a key election commitment for the Labor Government.

More than 20 per cent of the people using night network are shift workers — either employed in hospitality or at hospitals.

She said the night services had proven to be safe but additional PSOs will be deployed through the transport network.

“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,” Ms Allan said.

“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.”

The government have committed $193.2 million over the next four years to the service.

Public Transport Victoria will continue to analyse the patronage figure and design a new night network timetable after June 30.