The new year is kicking off with a mix of wins and wallet pinches for Victorians. From free train rides to higher tolls, and from new anti-hate laws to tougher fines for taxi drivers, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of change — and not all of it will be easy to swallow.
Victoria’s Big Travel Changes
There’s at least some good news to start with. Throughout January 2026, travel on Victoria’s public transport network will be free for everyone on weekends — a move introduced to celebrate the opening of the long-awaited Metro Tunnel. Even better, this isn’t just a one-off for some passengers.
Children under 18 with a youth Myki card can now travel for free all year round, saving families as much as $755 per child annually. Seniors cardholders will also enjoy free weekend travel, giving them a chance to explore more of the state without the added cost, explains The Age.
Myki and Toll Price Hikes
But not everything is rosy. Starting on January 1, Myki fares will rise by 40 cents per day, pushing the full daily fare to $11.40 and $5.70 for concessions. On weekends and holidays, the capped daily rates will climb to $8 and $4 respectively.
For the average commuter using public transport five days a week, that means more than $100 a year in extra costs. Regional town bus fares are the rare exception — they’ll stay fixed at $3 per trip or $6 for a daily pass.
Drivers aren’t being spared either. The CityLink toll for a single car trip will edge up to $12.38, while the West Gate Tunnel toll rises to $4.13, with peak-hour charges hitting $6.61. For motorists commuting during the morning rush, that’s a total of $10.74 to cross into the city.
Parking and Land Taxes Add Pressure
Parking in the city will also cost more. A congestion levy will see car park owners paying higher annual charges — $3,030 per space in the CBD and $2,150 in nearby suburbs like Richmond or South Yarra. Unsurprisingly, those costs are likely to be passed on to drivers.
And for property owners, the vacant residential land tax is being expanded. Empty plots left undeveloped for five years or more will now attract an annual charge — 1% of the land’s value in the first year, rising to 3% if it remains untouched for three years.
New Rules and Laws for 2026
From February, it will be illegal to sell tobacco in Victoria without a licence as part of a new state-wide tobacco scheme. The government will begin enforcing the rules to clamp down on unregulated sales.
In March, repeat offenders for certain crimes will face tougher bail tests, tightening conditions for those accused multiple times. And from June 30, new anti-hate laws will come into effect, giving people the right to take civil action against public abuse or online harassment deemed hateful or humiliating.
The laws also target those who use social platforms or public events to incite hatred based on identity, gender, or disability — marking one of the state’s strongest stances yet against discrimination.
A Costly but Progressive Year Ahead
Though council rates won’t rise until midyear, the government has already capped increases for 2026–27 at 2.75%, slightly down from 3%. It’s a small attempt to soften the blow of what’s shaping up to be a costly year for many households.
Between free weekend travel, higher fares, and new taxes, Victorians are entering 2026 with mixed feelings — relief on one side, frustration on the other. The year ahead promises progress, but as always, progress rarely comes cheap.
