A youth-led idea that started as a Bill in Victorian Youth Parliament is now in place across the state, with Victorians under 18 able to travel free on trains, trams and buses from 1 January 2026.
To access free travel, young people aged 5 to 17 need a Youth myki and must still touch on and off.
Minister for Youth Natalie Suleyman joined 2026 Victorian Youth Governor Scarlet Lee and former Youth Parliament participants Samaira Maheshwari (Boroondara) and Gabriel Di Falco (Newhaven College) on the steps of Parliament House to mark the change.
The reform traces back to the Student Public Transport Concession Bill 2024, developed by the Boroondara Youth Parliament team, showing how Youth Parliament ideas can help shape real-world outcomes.
For families, it removes a recurring cost. The Victorian Government says it can save up to $755 per child each year, which adds up quickly in households with multiple school-aged children.
For young people, it makes day-to-day life easier, helping them get to school, sport, part-time work and appointments without having to think about the fare first. For some families, that cost has been the difference between saying yes and saying no, especially in regional areas and outer suburbs where there is not always an easy lift or a car available.
Scarlet Lee, 2026 Victorian Youth Governor, said:
“Seeing a former Youth Parliament bill make its way into Victorian legislation is such a testament to the insight and consideration that our young people hold.
This acts as clear evidence that Victorian young people hold sound judgment and a desire to make an impact. Victorian Youth parliamentarians called for action, championing free public transport for people under 18.
This action has now taken effect statewide. Our young people wanted to make change and they did.”
Cr Wes Gault, Mayor of Boroondara, said:
“I’m proud that this innovative idea, which has now been adopted by the Victorian Government, was championed by Boroondara’s YMCA Youth Parliament team.
Boroondara’s future is in safe hands when passionate young people have the vision to see how our society can be improved, and the drive and commitment to see their ideas become reality.”
Victorian Youth Parliament gives young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to debate issues, develop policy ideas, and advocate for changes they want to see in their communities.
