In a show of support for veterans, war widows, and the broader community, the State Government is delivering extra public transport services and free travel for those attending Anzac Day events across Melbourne.
From Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 April, veterans and war widows are eligible for free travel, while Australian Defence Force members, Scouts and Guides, school students, and band members taking part in parade activities can travel for free on Anzac Day, provided they are in uniform or have relevant identification.
“The extra public transport on Anzac Day will give more people a chance to take part in these important commemoration services and get to the MCG for the footy,” Public and Active Transport Minister, Gabrielle Williams said.
More than 50,000 people are expected to gather for the Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance, followed by the Anzac Day Parade along St Kilda Road and Swanston Street.
To accommodate the large turnout, Metro Trains will run extra services to Flinders Street prior to 5.30am, while Yarra Trams will increase services across most routes starting around 4.15am. V/Line services will operate on a Saturday timetable.
Additionally, a free shuttle bus service will run along 12 Melbourne routes, with stops at several suburban RSLs, ensuring attendees can reach the Shrine ahead of the 6am ceremony. Passengers are encouraged to book a seat on the wheelchair-accessible buses by 2pm Thursday, 24 April, via the PTV website or by calling 1800 800 007.
Bus services will cover routes starting at Chadstone, Croydon, Dandenong, Doncaster, Essendon, Greensborough, Mitcham, Mordialloc, Templestowe, Thomastown, Wantirna, and Williamstown.
Additional trams will also run along St Kilda Road before and after the parade to connect passengers directly between Flinders Street Station and the Shrine.
For those attending the Mount Macedon Dawn Service, a free Park and Ride bus service will operate from Tony Clarke Recreation Reserve, and free regional bus services will be available from Gisborne, Woodend, Riddells Creek, Romsey, Lancefield, Sunbury, and Kyneton.
Motorists are advised of road closures throughout the CBD, Southbank, St Kilda Road, Kings Domain, and the Botanic and Alexandra Gardens between 5am and 2pm.
After the ceremonies, extra train and tram services will also operate to help attendees travel to the AFL blockbuster between Collingwood and Essendon at the MCG and the Melbourne Storm vs. South Sydney NRL match at AAMI Park.
