Bairnsdale and East Gippsland residents are being rewarded for their patience during years of track works, with free train and bus travel across the Gippsland Line throughout November to celebrate the completion of the long-awaited Gippsland Line Upgrade.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams announced the month-long offer during a visit to Traralgon Station this week, thanking passengers for their support while major works were delivered across the region.
The free travel applies to passengers starting their journey at any station between Nar Nar Goon and Bairnsdale, including Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Bairnsdale.
Passengers travelling between Nar Nar Goon and Traralgon can collect a Gippsland free travel voucher from station staff or from a V/Line Conductor on board instead of tapping on with a myki. Those boarding between Rosedale and Bairnsdale can pick up a free V/Line ticket when boarding or by booking over the phone.
Connecting bus and coach services across the network are also included in the offer, meaning passengers starting or finishing their trip on local transport can travel for free across Victoria’s public transport system throughout the day.
The Gippsland Line Upgrade, jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments, has delivered major improvements along the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines — including new train control systems, rebuilt and expanded platforms at Morwell and Traralgon, and station upgrades at Bunyip and Longwarry.
The project enables more than 80 extra weekly train services, including 14 on Saturdays and 18 on Sundays, as well as over 1100 additional weekly bus services across 13 routes connecting to stations — giving Gippsland commuters more options and reliability than ever before.
Premier Allan said the free travel offer was a way of recognising locals’ patience during construction.
“Free travel on the Gippsland Line in November is our way of saying thank you for your patience while we delivered this major upgrade,” Ms Allan said.
Minister Gabrielle Williams said the upgrades would make a tangible difference to everyday travel.
“We’ve significantly upgraded the Gippsland Line – improving two stations, delivering smoother journeys and more services. And now passengers can travel for free this November,” she said.
Local MPs Harriet Shing and Tom McIntosh, both Members for Eastern Victoria, welcomed the announcement, saying it would benefit East Gippsland families, students, and workers.
“We thank the Gippsland community for their patience during the works, allowing us to deliver important station upgrades – and more than 80 additional weekly services for passengers,” Ms Shing said.
Mr McIntosh added, “This is fantastic news for local families, students and workers who rely on the Gippsland Line every day. Free travel will make a real difference to household budgets and give even more people a reason to jump on board.”
The Government’s regional fare cap has already transformed travel across Victoria, with more than 62 million train trips taken and over $162 million saved since its introduction.
The initiative comes ahead of more public transport incentives, with free travel across all trams, trains and buses every weekend from early December until February 1, 2026 to celebrate the opening of the Metro Tunnel. From January 1, 2026, public transport will also be free for all children under 18, saving families up to $755 per child each year.
