Victoria has one of the best public transport systems in Australia. Melbourne has one of the largest rail systems in the world (new window) - by comparison, the Paris Metro is a third smaller, and San Francisco's is less than half the size. We also have the biggest tram system in the English-speaking world.
With Viclink (new window) and V/Line (new window) criss-crossing Victoria's regional areas and Metlink (new window) covering the city, you should find a cheap, convenient and relatively quick way to get wherever you need to be.
Where to? How to?
Once you've decided where you want to go, you'll need to decide how to get there.
Maps and timetables
Maps and timetables for trains, buses and trams (hard copies and online) are free from Metlink and Viclink. They'll save you waiting at a stop for a bus that's never coming or battling a bad sense of direction in a suburb or town you're unfamiliar with.
The Viclink and Metlink websites even have a Timetable Quick Search (new window) that'll do the thinking for you. Simply enter the town or suburb you're leaving from, your destination and the time at which you want to travel, and you'll be provided with a number of easy travel options.
There are also SMS Train Timetables (new window) that let you keep track of metropolitan trains and trams, as well as V/Line services.
Travel after midnight
If you're on a budget but enjoy clubs, live music, restaurants and bars, the NightRider (new window) bus service is an invaluable, inexpensive late night/early morning alternative to taxis, even if you live in outlying Melbourne suburbs.
How much? Fare's fair
When you add it up, using public transport works out a lot cheaper than running a car. It's up to you to obtain a valid ticket at the correct price. Paying a fine if you don't might blow all the savings you've made using public transport in the first place.
Ticket prices
Metlink (new window) and Viclink (new window) have plenty of information about their fares and zones. Most ticket outlets also supply this information.
Concession tickets that offer a substantial discount on full fare travel are available to many people, including students and those with low or no income. Check your eligibility (new window) and you might be pleasantly surprised!
myki
In 2010 the myki ticketing system will begin to be rolled out across Victoria.
As of January 2010 myki is operating on metropolitan train services in Melbourne, as well as some regional bus services. During the rollout period, both the metcard system and myki will be able to be used.
For full details about myki and how it works, check out our myki information page (link).
Public transport for ALL the public
We're all entitled to use public transport and we're all entitled to a safe, convenient trip.
Safety while travelling
There are good reasons why some behaviour - from simple things like putting your feet on seats, eating, smoking and not offering your spot up to a disabled or elderly traveller right through to drinking alcohol, abusive or violent behaviour and vandalism - are not acceptable on public transport.
Some offences can entail a fine and are treated very seriously by the public transport authorities and the police. If you're concerned about, for instance, travelling at night by train, you can obtain information about the services and staffing at particular stations from Metlink.
Needless to say, if you do encounter a problem, whether a nuisance or something more serious, you should notify the station staff or customer service officer, the driver or guard aboard the vehicle.
Special needs
Those with disabilities or special needs are being catered for by Victoria's public transport system. You can obtain a wealth of information about low floor buses and trams, superstops, SmartBus (new window), Companion Card, (new window) special station or stop services and concession tickets in the relevant section on the Metlink (new window) and Viclink (new window) websites.
Have your say
Lastly, you can have your say about our state's public transport services and assist in improving them through organisations like the Public Transport Users Association. They conduct a series of ongoing campaigns (new window) and encourage travellers to help and ultimately improve services for everyone.
Links for public transport
Metlink - City Public Transport Information
Metropolitan tram, train and bus information: maps, timetables, fares and zones, concessions and trip planners, special service listings and just about everything else you'll need to know for excursions short and long.
Viclink - Regional Public Transport Information
Viclink provides a central customer contact point for public transport service information for regional Victoria. Viclink is the 'sister' company to Metlink and offers a website, call centre and offices for information on fares, services and timetables as well as customer feedback.
V/Line - Regional Train and Coach Services Information
V/Line train services operate to and from Melbourne as well as between major regional centres. They cover the rest of the state with an extensive road coach network which links most cities and towns in regional Victoria.
Public Transport Users Association - Feedback and Campaigns for Improvement
A consumer organisation representing passengers of all forms of public transport. For 28 years this non-profit, voluntary organisation has lobbied governments and public transport authorities regarding the interests of public transport users.
