Free Public Transport Month Starts Today; Major Westside Road Closures

Free Travel for All Commuters

Starting today, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, commuters across Melbourne and regional Victoria can take advantage of a month-long free travel initiative. From the first service this morning until Thursday, April 30, all travel on Melbourne’s trains, trams, and buses is free of charge. This also extends to the entire V/Line network, including regional coaches. Commuters do not need to tap on with a myki card during this period; however, those who do will not be charged. This state-wide initiative aims to encourage public transport use following the completion of several major infrastructure milestones over the summer.

Critical Road Closures in Melbourne’s West

While the free travel initiative is a welcome relief, motorists in Melbourne’s western suburbs should prepare for significant road disruptions today due to essential maintenance and resurfacing works. Drivers are advised to allow for an additional 20 to 30 minutes of travel time on the following routes:

• Ballarat Road, Maidstone: The road is closed in both directions between Irving Court and Short Street today. A detour is in place via Sunshine Road, Ashley Street, Churchill Avenue, and the Princes Highway.
• Docklands Highway, Brooklyn: Starting today and continuing through tomorrow, the highway is closed in both directions between Geelong Road and Cemetery Road. Motorists are being detoured via Millers Road and the West Gate Freeway.
• Macaulay Road, North Melbourne: A full westbound closure is in effect at the intersection of Stubbs Street for road safety camera works. This closure is active between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am.

Public Transport Alerts: Evening Disruptions

Despite the free travel period, several rail lines will experience planned disruptions this evening to accommodate infrastructure testing and maintenance. Commuters should check the latest timetables before heading home:

• Werribee Line: Buses will replace trains between Newport and Werribee from 8:30 pm tonight until the last service. This disruption is required for the ongoing testing of the new X’Trapolis 2.0 fleet.
• Ballarat V/Line: Evening coaches will replace trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross Station and Wendouree starting from 7:00 pm. Passengers should allow up to 40 minutes of extra travel time.
• Bendigo Line: All trains toward the city will depart up to 7 minutes earlier than scheduled today as part of temporary timetable adjustments.

CBD and Local Traffic Notices

In the city center, drainage works continue on Stubbs Street in Kensington, with temporary lane closures and footpath diversions active from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Additionally, the Eastern Freeway has fully reopened following the successful completion of the weekend "Mega Lift" near Bulleen. While the freeway is clear, flow-on congestion may still affect Doncaster Road and Tram Road during the morning and afternoon peaks as traffic patterns normalize.