The Victorian government will trial 24-hour public transport on weekends for a year starting 1 January 2016, and if successful the plan will be made permanent and expanded.
Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan said the Homesafe plan would strengthen Melbourne’s reputation as a liveable city.
“A world-class city deserves 24-hour public transport. It’s good for our economy, for shift workers and for people who want to get home safe after a night out,” Ms Allan said.
“People who live in the outer suburbs and regional areas shouldn’t have to miss out on Melbourne’s vibrant night life. This trial is about giving them a safe and affordable way to get home.”
The plan will see trams operate on 30-minute intervals on the 19, 67, 75, 86, 96 and 109 lines all night, providing services between the CBD and St Kilda, Coburg, Bundoora, Port Melbourne, Carnegie, Box Hill, Vermont South and Brunswick.
An improved night bus network will include 20 routes, with a mix of routes operating from the city and others providing suburban connections from train stations and from suburban night-time hubs including Dandenong and Frankston.
V/Line coaches will also depart from Southern Cross Station at around 2am bound for Bendigo, Ballarat, Traralgon, and Geelong.
The government has given Victoria Police funding for 171 extra transport security officers to improve safety.