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MELBOURNE, Australia — Victorians will ride trains, trams and buses for free throughout April as the state government moves to ease cost-of-living pressures amid soaring fuel prices and supply shortages that have pushed petrol costs near $3 per liter and left some stations dry.

The Allan government announced Sunday that all metropolitan and regional public transport services — including Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses plus V/Line trains, coaches and regional town buses — will be fare-free from Tuesday, March 31, through Thursday, April 30. Passengers will not need to tap on or off with their myki cards during the period, though those who do will not be charged.

Premier Jacinta Allan described the month-long initiative as a “temporary measure” to take pressure off household budgets and reduce demand at the petrol pump. “It won’t solve every problem, but it is an immediate step I can take to help Victorians right now,” she said.

The policy, estimated to cost the state around $70 million, comes as fuel prices climb due to global supply disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. Unleaded petrol in Victoria has approached or exceeded $3 per liter in some areas, with reports of more than 100 fuel stations running dry or limiting sales. Similar cost-of-living relief measures were announced in Tasmania, where free public transport will extend until the end of June or July.

Transport Minister Harriet Shing said the move aims to encourage drivers to leave their cars at home, potentially easing road congestion and fuel demand during the April school holidays and Easter period. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to choose public transport,” she told reporters.

Free travel covers all trips solely within Victoria, with limited exceptions for cross-border services to Albury, Mount Gambier and Deniliquin. Seat reservations on V/Line services will not be available during the free period. Public Transport Victoria has directed operators to open gates and disable fare enforcement for the month.

The announcement follows calls from the Victorian Greens earlier in March for fare relief as fuel prices escalated. Opposition parties offered mixed reactions, with some welcoming the help for families while questioning the long-term strategy and fiscal impact. NSW and Western Australia have not announced similar measures, leaving commuters in those states to continue paying fares.

For a typical full-fare commuter traveling five days a week, the initiative could save up to $250 in April compared with normal myki daily caps of around $11.40. Monthly or yearly pass holders may see proportional relief depending on their usage.

Public transport advocates welcomed the trial as a bold experiment that could demonstrate the benefits of more affordable or fare-free systems. “This gives us a real-world look at what happens when barriers to public transport are removed,” said one Melbourne-based transport researcher. Increased ridership is expected, particularly for leisure trips during the school holidays, though officials have urged patience if services become busier than usual.

Concerns have been raised about potential overcrowding on popular routes. The government said it would monitor demand and work with operators to add services where needed. Past short-term fare-free periods in other cities have shown spikes in usage, especially among occasional riders and tourists.

The policy arrives against a backdrop of broader cost-of-living challenges in Australia. Households are grappling with higher grocery prices, energy bills and mortgage costs, making any relief at the pump or on transport welcome for many. Fuel prices have fluctuated sharply in recent weeks, with some regional areas hit harder than metropolitan Melbourne.

Economists noted that while free public transport provides immediate relief, it does not address underlying supply issues driving fuel costs. Global oil markets remain volatile, and analysts say sustained high prices could influence consumer behavior longer term, including greater interest in electric vehicles and active transport.

Victoria has invested heavily in public transport infrastructure in recent years, including new metro rail projects and tram extensions. The Allan government pointed to those upgrades as evidence of its commitment to better services, with the April free month framed as a bridge to encourage more people to make public transport a habit.

Opposition transport spokesperson David Hodgett called the announcement a “short-term gimmick” and urged the government to focus on fixing reliability issues and delivering promised infrastructure on time. “Victorians need permanent solutions, not one-month band-aids,” he said.

Environmental groups praised the environmental upside, saying reduced car use during April could cut emissions and ease pressure on roads. “Getting people onto trains and trams instead of sitting in traffic is a win for clean air and congestion,” a spokesperson for one sustainability organization said.

For regional Victorians, the free V/Line services could prove particularly valuable, offering relief for longer commutes or trips to Melbourne. Intertown and regional town bus services are also included, broadening the reach across the state.

Travelers are advised to check PTV apps and websites for any service changes or crowding alerts. While myki cards can still be used, there is no requirement to tap during the free period. International visitors and interstate travelers within the eligible routes can also benefit.

The initiative coincides with Easter and school holidays, traditionally busy travel periods. Officials hope the free fares will spread demand across the network rather than concentrating it on roads.

As April 30 approaches, the government has not ruled out extensions if fuel prices remain elevated, though Allan described the current plan as strictly time-limited. Longer-term discussions about fare structures, including ideas like permanent concessions or distance-based pricing, may gain traction depending on ridership data collected during the free month.

Public reaction on social media has been largely positive, with many Victorians expressing relief and plans to use trains and trams more frequently for work, shopping or family outings. Some expressed skepticism about whether the system can handle a surge without delays or safety issues.

The Victorian government urged people to plan journeys in advance and consider off-peak travel where possible. Additional cleaning and staffing measures are being considered to maintain service quality.

This marks one of the most significant temporary public transport interventions in Victoria’s history, testing the appetite for fare reform in a state with an extensive rail and tram network.

As fuel prices continue to fluctuate and global supply concerns persist, the April free transport trial will provide valuable insights into how price signals influence travel choices. For now, Victorians have a full month to experience public transport without the usual fare burden — a break that many hope will deliver both financial relief and a shift toward more sustainable commuting.

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