Public transport fares to rise across Victoria from January 2026, fuelling commuter anger over cost pressures; here’s everything you need to know about the new rates

Victorian passengers will pay higher public transport fares from January 1, 2026, after Transport Victoria approved a statewide fare increase following its annual review. The changes will increase the daily full fare cap for Zone 1, Zone 1+2 metropolitan travel and regional services by 40 cents, bringing the Zone 1+2 cap to $11.40. Concession, weekend and public holiday fees will also increase, adding to cost-of-living pressures already faced by travelers across the state.

Victoria’s public transport network is a critical part of daily life, transporting millions of passengers each week on trains, trams and buses across metropolitan and regional areas.

The full daily fare cap will increase from $11 to $11.40 for travel in Zones 1 and 2, while travel within Zone 2 only will be capped at $7.20. Concession passengers will see the daily fare cap increase to $5.70 for travel in Zones 1 and 2.
Weekend and public holiday travel will also be more expensive; The daily fee cap will increase to $8.00 for passengers with full tickets and $4.00 for those using discounted tickets.

Accordingly news.com.au The announcement on the website sparked a backlash online, with passengers taking to social media to condemn the increase. One user described the hike as “crazy”, arguing that for groups of more than two people it was now cheaper to drive, even when fuel and parking costs were factored in. Another commenter said higher fares would only intensify existing cost-of-living pressures, questioning how travelers were expected to cope when “most people don’t get an annual wage increase.”

Transport Victoria said the fare increase follows an annual review and will be implemented statewide to ensure consistency and fairness. The agency added that fare revenue helps run Victoria’s train, tram and bus network.