Victoria Premier Ted Baillieu

Victoria Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty

Free Buses For Veterans And Supporters On ANZAC Day

Victor P Taffa

Premier Ted Baillieu has invited all Melburnians to take advantage of free bus services travelling to the Shrine of Remembrance for the ANZAC Day dawn service.

Mr. Baillieu said buses would operate along 11 routes covering 30 stops across Melbourne, benefiting several suburban areas where residents would otherwise have to forgo attending the service given the early start time precedes the public transport schedule.

“The Coalition Government is proud to continue the ANZAC Day free bus service, now in its 12th year.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“This important community service ensures veterans, along with community supporters, can attend the service to show their reverence and commemorate one of the most significant events in Australia’s history.” Mr. Baillieu said.

“I am also pleased to announce veterans and war widows are entitled to free travel on Victoria’s Public Transport network on 24, 25 and 26 April as part of the commemorations for ANZAC Day.”

To qualify for free travel, veterans and war widows need to do one or more of the following:

                         

• Wear their uniform;

 

• Wear their service medals;

 

• Wear an ex-service association or returned from active service or War Widows’ Guild badge;

 

• Present their DVA Gold or White card; 

 

• Present their category V Victorian public transport concession card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Hugh Delahunty said free public transport services on ANZAC Day itself would be extended to members of the Australian Defence Force, Army, Navy and Air Force Cadets, Scouts, Guides and school students participating in ANZAC Day parades, provided they are in uniform.

Mr. Delahunty stressed the need for all members of the public to call to book a place on the free buses travelling to and from the dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance. 

“The free bus services have been very popular in the past, so I encourage everyone to book early, particularly those with special needs.” Mr. Delahunty said.

Around 50 low-floor wheelchair accessible buses will pick up passengers from designated points around Melbourne on Monday 25 April.

Buses arrive at the Shrine by 5.40am for the 6am dawn service, and depart at 7.30am to take passengers home.

The specially scheduled bus services will travel to Domain Road from the following places:

                         

• Croydon via Ringwood East;

 

• Mordialloc via Mentone and Sandringham;

 

• Mitcham via Blackburn, Box Hill and Balwyn;

 

• Wantirna via Scoresby, Glen Waverley and Mt Waverley;

 

• Templestowe via West Heidelberg;

 

• Chadstone via Ashburton and Camberwell;

 

• Essendon Football Ground (Windy Hill);

 

• Doncaster via Balwyn North, Kew and Victoria Park (Jock McHale Stadium);

 

• Thomastown via Reservoir and Coburg;

 

• Greensborough via Watsonia;

 

• Williamstown via Yarraville.

 

Bookings can be made by calling Ventura Charter on 9575 4823 between 9am and 4pm weekdays (not on public holidays). Ventura will be able to provide information about pick-up and drop-off times and locations. Bookings close on Tuesday 19 April.

The ANZAC Day bus services are sponsored by the Coalition Government in conjunction with the Returned Services League and Bus Association Victoria.

For information about regular train, tram and bus services on ANZAC Day, contact Metlink on 131 638 or visit metlinkmelbourne.com.au

For information on regional train and coach services, contact V/Line on 131 196 or visit www.vline.com.au Reservations are required for all V/Line services.