History
In January 2014, in the lead up to the 2014 Victorian state election, 2014 Victorian State election, the Australian Labor Party promised to commence a trial of all night public transport on weekends, dubbed ''Homesafe'', if elected. Following the Australian Labor Party's victory, cost overruns were announced in August 2015, with the plan to cost $83.6 million, not the $50 million estimated during the election, due to increased security costs. The network was unveiled on 30 October 2015, along with its new name, Night Network, with the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan claiming 70% of Melbourne's dwellings would be covered by Night Network. Night Network commenced operation on 1 January 2016 on a 12-month trial basis. In its first weekend of operation 9,862 myki touch ons were recorded, representing a three-fold increase in patronage compared to the former NightRider (bus service), NightRider bus system. However, this may understate patronage as it fails to account for fare evaders, those travelling in the free tram zone, and those with periodical tickets who may not have touched on. The trial was later extended until June 2017, and made permanent in April 2017.Night Network services
Night Train
All of Railways in Melbourne, Melbourne's train services operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, except the and lines, operate as part of Night Network, servicing all metropolitan stations except for City Loop stations and Southern Cross railway station, Southern Cross, which close at midnight and 1am respectively. Trains operate hourly on all lines, with some lines operating as shuttles from major interchange stations.Night Tram
The following routes operate overnight to half-hour frequencies. The Free Tram Zone remains in operation during Night Network operating times. * : Coburg North, Victoria, North Coburg – Flinders Street railway station , Flinders Street station (City) * : Melbourne University tram stop, Melbourne University – Carnegie, Victoria, Carnegie * : Vermont South, Victoria, Vermont South – Docklands, Victoria#Victoria Harbour, Central Pier *: Docklands, Victoria, Waterfront City (Docklands, Victoria, Docklands) – Bundoora, Victoria, Bundoora RMIT University, RMIT *: St Kilda, Victoria, St Kilda Beach – East Brunswick, Victoria, East Brunswick * : Port Melbourne railway station, Port Melbourne – Box Hill, Victoria, Box HillNight Bus
Twenty-one night bus services, operated by CDC Melbourne, Dysons, Kinetic Melbourne, Transit Systems Victoria and Ventura Bus Lines, run to a 24-hour weekend service on Fridays and Saturdays, as part of Night Network. Thirteen routes operate on Fridays and Saturdays. Night Bus replaced NightRider bus services, which largely follow railway lines, with PTV claiming most passengers will still have access to all night public transport.Night Coach
V/Line operate Night Coach services to Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, and Geelong, departing Southern Cross railway station, Southern Cross station at approximately 2am. The coaches operate in lieu of regional trains, servicing railway stations along said routes. In October 2016, Seymour, Victoria, Seymour was added to the network.Ticketing
Myki tickets are valid for Night Network services, with standard fares applying, while V/Line tickets are charged at off-peak rates. Authorised Officers patrol Night Network, checking for fare evasion.References
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