Ministerial Statement: Free public transport for Christmas Day and New Year’s ..

[ozbob]

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/2655-free-public-transport-for-christmas-day-and-new-years-eve-and-metro-nye-trains-to-run-all-night.html

Free public transport for Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, and metro NYE trains to run all night

Friday, 02 December 2011
From the Minister for Public Transport

The Victorian Coalition Government will provide free travel on the state's public transport network on Christmas Day and after 6pm on New Year's Eve.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said public transport was a key part of many people's holidays, allowing them to get to and from festivities safely and easily.

"This period is a time of celebration, but all too often it is spoilt by tragedies on the state's roads," Mr Mulder said.

"That's why the Coalition Government and public transport operators have again committed to providing free travel on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

"I would like to thank public transport employees who will work on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, as their efforts make it possible to offer these free trains, trams and buses.

"On Christmas Day, public transport across the state will be free all day, allowing everyone to leave the car at home and enjoy Christmas celebrations with family and friends."

Mr Mulder said public transport would run all night with free Zone 1+2 travel from 6pm New Year's Eve until 5am on New Year's Day.

"Free all night metropolitan public transport will mean that revellers will not have to cut their celebrations short to catch the last tram or train," Mr Mulder said.

On New Year's Eve, V/Line passengers will have free travel for all trains arriving at or departing from Southern Cross station after 6pm and for the first train or coach on each line leaving Southern Cross on New Year's Day.
Christmas Day – Saturday 25 December

Metropolitan
Train: Metro will run a Sunday timetable
Tram: Yarra Trams will run a Sunday timetable and the City Circle service will not operate
Bus: Call Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au for specific route information

Regional
V/Line: Sunday train timetable with limited coach trips. Bookings are required for Warrnambool, Ararat, Bairnsdale, Echuca, Swan Hill, Shepparton and Albury trains. All other trains operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bus: Call Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au
New Year's Eve – Friday 31 December

Metropolitan
Train: Metro will run a normal weekday timetable with more trains from 6pm including all night trains.
Tram: Yarra Trams will run a Saturday timetable with more trains from 6pm. All night trams will run on all routes except Route 24, Route 30, Route 79, Route 82 and City Circle.
Bus: A special timetable will apply for bus routes. Call Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au
NightRider: NightRider buses will operate for New Year's Eve. Buses will depart from a temporary location on Collins Street between Swanston and Russell Streets.

Regional
V/Line: Normal train services will run with some altered coach services. Additional late night services will run as per the regular Friday night timetable.
Bus: Customers are advised to call Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au

For more information
Visit the Metlink website at metlinkmelbourne.com.au and use the journey planner to find the right services for your journey. For information on regional public transport services visit: viclink.com.au or phone 136 196.

The Metlink call centre will be open to assist travellers all night on New Year's Eve, so for public transport information call Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au

[Stillwater]

Holiday on the Sunshine Coast and enjoy free buses this Christmas-New Year.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2011/11/29/free-buses-back-christmas/

[ozbob]

From the Herald Sun click here!

Suburban revellers face frustrating New Year's Eve

Suburban revellers face frustrating New Year's Eve

    by: Anne Wright
    From: Herald Sun
    December 30, 2011 12:00AM

NEW Year's Eve revellers will be left high and dry if they don't live near train and tram lines as the State Government refuses to increase NightRider bus services.

The Public Transport Users Association hit out at transport black holes amid fears of more taxi bedlam.

"There are gaps in the all-night network, there are some people for whom it won't be possible to catch a train or tram or a NightRider, and they may be reliant on scarce taxi services," PTUA president Daniel Bowen said.

"The Government should be looking at where the travel demand is and making sure that people are catered for so they can get home after midnight."

Mr Bowen said extra trains and trams running throughout the night would ease the load on the NightRider buses from the city, although the Government had confirmed NightRider services would run every half-hour as usual.

Mr Bowen said that sorting out the additional train and tram services should provide a blueprint for all busy weekends throughout the year.

"We've obviously seen during December a lot of problems with overcrowded NightRiders and long queues for taxis, so better all-night services right through the year would be a big help for a big growing 24-hour city that Melbourne is becoming."

New Year's Eve revellers have also been warned to take care by medics, who are bracing for one of the busiest nights of the year.

Experts warn of a 9 per cent surge in patient numbers at already stretched hospital emergency departments over the holiday period.

St John Ambulance Victoria first aid manager Andrew Foran said volunteers last year attended more than 800 incidents at New Year's events, the most common being alcohol-related illness, slips, trips and falls, dehydration and sun exposure.

Emergency medicine specialist Associate Professor Paul Middleton said the rise in hospital visits included accidents, fall injuries, substance abuse and heart attacks.

"Excess food and alcohol intake, increased emotional and psychological stress over the holiday period and a reluctance to go to hospital during holidays are likely to be contributing factors to this increase in heart attacks," he said.

- with Marianne Betts