The Andrews Labor Government is putting on extra public transport services and extending the Free Tram Zone this week as the AFL Grand Final Parade and blockbuster match draws closer.

The Free Tram Zone will be extended out to the MCG along routes 48, 70 and 75 from Wednesday, 27 September to Saturday, 30 September.

Tram passengers won’t need to tap on and off when travelling between the CBD and the MCG, with the Free Tram Zone extended, making it easier and quicker to get on board.

On Friday’s Grand Final public holiday, all public transport will run to a regular Saturday timetable, with 25 extra train and eight extra tram services.

Extra services will also operate on Saturday:

• Up to 184 additional trams services on routes 48, 70 and 75

• 38 extra metropolitan train services on the Mernda, Hurstbridge, Glen Waverley, Pakenham, Sandringham, Sunbury, Craigieburn, Lilydale, Belgrave and Frankston lines before and after the game

• Additional regional train services on the Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Seymour, Shepparton and Echuca lines.

Those celebrating or commiserating after the game can get home safely and easily using the Night Network – with all night trains, trams, buses and coaches along selected routes.

Richmond and Jolimont stations are a short walk from the MCG, Melbourne Park and Yarra Park, providing more options for those catching trains on the north-eastern, eastern or south-eastern lines.

Passengers using Route 70 trams can use Stop 7C John Cain Arena/Melbourne Park and the footbridge to reach the MCG, while trams on routes 48 and 75 stop directly outside the MCG on Wellington Parade.

Spectators and attendees should leave the car at home, as there will be no public parking at Yarra Park or the MCG.

New regulations will also come into effect from Thursday, meaning taxi drivers picking up passengers from a taxi rank or hailed from the street can no longer seek to negotiate a price with customers above the regulated maximum fare – they must use their meters.