The Tourism & Transport Forum, Australia’s leading tourism and transport advocacy group, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement the popular Night Network has been made permanent.

TTF Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the move to make 24 hour public transport on weekends permanent would bolster Melbourne’s reputation as the world’s most liveable city.

“This decision is great news for Melbourne’s booming visitor economy, providing safe, convenient and reliable public transport options for locals, hospitality workers and visitors,” Ms Osmond said.

“With more than two million trips taken on overnight public transport since the beginning of the Night Network trial at the start of last year, the benefit to local commuters, visitors and the Victorian economy from making night services permanent was clear.

“As the only city in Australia now with around the clock weekend public transport, permanent night services will firmly cement Melbourne’s reputation as a global events and destination capital.

“It is also a significant win for regional commuters, with coach services between the CBD and Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour and Traralgon.”