Something genuinely interesting has been happening on Melbourne’s trains and trams lately, and I’ve been watching it with a mix of pleasant surprise and the usual cynical “yeah but how long will this last?” that comes with being middle-aged and politically aware in this country.

If you haven’t heard, Victoria’s public transport has been free through April and May, and the Jacinta Allan government has now announced half-price fares through to the end of 2026. It’s a $400 million commitment, and predictably, people have opinions.