Track closures are the pre-Christmas gift that no commuter wants, but when they arrive on three Melbourne lines, they'll come with free public transport. With sections of Melbourne's Cranbourne, Pakenham and Gippsland train lines set to shut down temporarily during December, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced free travel in those areas for the first 23 days of the month.

Trains won't run between Westall Station and Pakenham and Cranbourne to allow for rail works to enable the city's new high-capacity trains, which can carry 1100 passengers and are set to hit the tracks in mid 2019. "You've put up with a lot of disruption already while we've been re-building our train network," said Andrews. "It's the least we can do to thank you for your patience."

Buses will replace trains across the closed sections. When you get on the bus, you won't be required to touch on with your Myki. If you're travelling onwards into the city, you'll be given a 'free travel token' that's valid for the entire week. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan told The Age that the move is expected to cost the Victorian government "around $1 million".

It's the latest transport-related development in what has proven a very busy year — and an election year at that. In addition to preparing for the new fleet of high-capacity trains, the government has been removing level crossings and opening new rail lines. It has also announced several other initiatives, including a high-speed train from the Melbourne CBD to Geelong, an airport rail link (with a 'super train' that can make the journey in 20 minutes also floated by a private consortium) and an underground network connecting the city's suburbs.

Find more information on the free travel period here and check for updates on the PTV website.

Updated: December 2, 2018.

Published on September 23, 2018 by Sarah Ward