Whether you choose to travel by train, tram or bus, public transport in Victoria can get you anywhere you need to go.
Here’s what you need to know.
Travel around Melbourne
Public transport in Melbourne includes buses, trams and trains.
You can use the journey planner tool on the Transport Victoria website to work out what the best public transport option is for you to get around Melbourne.
Travel after midnight
If you're out late in Melbourne, late-night public transport is an inexpensive alternative to taxis, even if you live in outlying Melbourne suburbs.
Public transport tickets and fares
Transport Victoria's tickets and myki page has information about public transport tickets and fares in Victoria. This includes information about Youth myki, which allows people aged 5-17 to travel free on Victorian public transport.
You can also find out about regional and rural public transport fares, on the V/Line ticketing & fares page.
When you use public transport, it's up to you to make sure you have the right ticket or you could be fined.
Fines, Authorised Officers and complaints
The companies that operate Victoria's public transport services employ Authorised Officers to make sure all passengers travel with a valid ticket.
Authorised Officers can issue a ‘penalty fare’ notice, however, they can’t ask you to pay a fine on the spot.
They can, however:
- check your ticket and concession card
- ask to take your ticket as evidence
- ask for your name, address and proof of identity
- arrest you until the police arrive (if you refuse to help them with the things listed above).
The Authorised Officer may then send a report to the Department of Transport and Planning. The department reviews the Authorised Officer’s report and issues either a:
- fine
- warning
- court summons.
Or it may decide to take no further action.
If you do get fined, details on how to pay are included on the fine. If you need more information after you receive the fine you can call 1300 135 066.
When dealing with an Authorised Officer it's important that you understand your rights. See the public transport rights page on our YouthNav to learn more about this.
If you're not happy about something to do with public transport in Victoria, you can provide feedback to Transport Victoria through the Transport Victoria public transport enquiries page.
Safety on public transport
If you encounter any unacceptable behaviours on public transport, including a problem or threat to your (or other people's) safety, you should notify someone immediately, like:
- station staff (at manned stations)
- Protective Service Officers (PSOs)
- the driver or guard aboard the vehicle
- emergency assistance - call 000.
For more about safe travel on public transport, see the Transport Victoria public transport safety and security page.
Public transport for people with a disability
Accessibility programs in Victoria offer ways for people with a disability or special needs to take advantage of public transport, including:
- The Access Travel Pass for people with a significant permanent disability who travel independently.
- The Companion Card, providing free public transport travel for official carers and companions.
For more information, see Transport Victoria's accessible travel on trains, trams and buses page.
