Public transport ticket options

There are a range of ticketing options for young people in Victoria who want to travel on public transport.

The type of ticket you need depends on your age and whether you are entitled to free or discounted fares.

Public transport concession cards are essential for young people. If you have a concession card you can buy a cheaper ticket when using public transport.  

To learn more about what ticket you may be eligible for, visit the Transport Victoria website.

Option 1: Buy a Youth myki card 

In Victoria, anyone aged from 5-17 (inclusive) can access free public transport with a Youth myki card. 

Youth myki cards can be purchased for $5 either online or from all staffed train stations. To access free travel, you will need to tap on and off using your Youth myki. A Youth myki can also be presented to obtain a free V/Line train ticket in zones where a paper or eTicket is required. It can also be used to board regional buses outside the myki boundaries.

So, when do you need a concession card? And what are the rules?

There are many concession cards that allow you to access discounted fares on public transport.

Six concessions are available to young people in Victoria: the Transport Victoria secondary/tertiary student ID, international student pass, health care card, asylum seeker ID, Pensioner Concession Card printed with Code DSP, and Victorian Carer Card.

Tertiary student concession

If you're a Victorian undergraduate student studying full-time on campus, you may be eligible for a Transport Victoria tertiary student ID. This allows you to purchase a general concession ticket.

International student concession

Some full-time international students can be eligible for an International Student Travel Pass. This allows you to purchase a general concession ticket.

Health Care Card concession

If you have a Centrelink-issued Health Care Card with a Victorian address, you can purchase a general concession ticket on public transport. This allows you to purchase a general concession ticket.

Asylum seekers concession

If you hold or are applying for a bridging visa under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth), you may be eligible for a PTV Asylum Seeker ID. This allows you to purchase a general concession ticket.

Pensioner Concession Card

To be eligible for a ‘DSP’ myki, you will need to hold a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card printed with Code DSP, be aged less than 60 years old and be a permanent Victorian resident.

DSP recipients also receive free travel on public transport anywhere in Victoria, every weekend.

Victoria Carer Card concession

To be eligible for a Carer Concession myki you will need to have either Victorian Carer Card issued by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing; or a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card with ‘CAR’ printed on it.

Carers also receive free travel on public transport anywhere in Victoria, every weekend.

Visit Transport Victoria’s concession myki page to learn more about concessions.

Option 3: Buy a full fare ticket or myki

If you are 19 years and older, and are not entitled to a concession, you will need to purchase a full fare adult ticket or myki.

Visit Transport Victoria's fares page for more information.

Why young people get fined 

Public transport inspectors (also called Authorised Officers) need to check everyone’s tickets to make sure they are paying the right fare.  

How you can avoid getting a fine 

Lots of young people in Victoria get fined for not carrying the right ID while travelling on a child ticket, student pass or general concession. 

Rule number 1: Always carry the right identification (ID) on public transport 

If you get a child ticket and you’re 18, make sure you have proof of age. 

If you get a general concession (such as a Transport Victoria tertiary ID or health care card), make sure you have your valid concession card on you. 

If you have a student pass, make sure you have a Transport Victoria school student ID. 

It’s your responsibility to carry the right ID with you. 

How to get a Transport Victoria school student ID or tertiary ID 

Don’t have a Transport Victoria school student ID or tertiary ID? Applying for one is simple. 

First, you’ll need to fill out a form. There are different forms for school students and tertiary students. 

The form requires you to get a passport photo taken. You can get a passport photo from most post offices or pharmacies.

Look for your closest one and give them a call. They will tell you if they can do it and the ideal time to visit. 

You will also need a signature from your parent and school or university. This will mean finding the right people and getting them to sign the form. 

You will also need to pay a fee. 

Rule number 2: Always carry your physical ID with you on public transport

Whether you’re on a child ticket, student pass, or general concession, you need to carry your physical proof of age ID, Transport Victoria school student ID, or concession card.

This means you cannot just show a photo of it on your phone.

If you are aged 5-17 and have a Youth myki card, you will not be required to carry proof of age or ID. However, it is recommended children aged 16 and 17 carry ID if you have it.

Can I just use my school ID on public transport?

The short answer is no, you can’t just use your regular school ID. Even if you’re in school uniform, or carrying your school books. Unless you can show the correct ID, you will get a fine.

The only way to use a school ID is to have an Transport Victoria approved school identification card.

This is not a typical Transport Victoria school student ID. It’s a different card provided by your school.

The Transport Victoria approved School ID means students at participating schools no longer need to arrange, pay for and carry the dedicated Transport Victoria school student ID.

If you’re not sure if your school is approved, ask your school administration staff. Schools wanting to participate can complete a form and send it to Transport Victoria.

What if I forget my proof of age or concession card? Will I still get a public transport fine?

The short answer is yes. But you can contest the fine by seeking a review in writing from Transport Victoria.

If you are 18 years old, travelling on a child ticket, and you forgot to carry your ID, your fine may be cancelled if you can prove you just forgot it. This is only the case if it is your first or second fine.

If you are travelling on a student pass, have a Transport Victoria school student ID, but forgot to carry it with you, and this is your first or second fine, your fine may be cancelled if you can prove you just forgot it.

If you are travelling on a general concession, have a valid concession card (such as a Transport Victoria tertiary ID or health care card), but forgot to carry it with you, and this is your first or second fine, your fine may be cancelled if you can prove you just forgot it.

But this may not always happen. Don’t risk it. Always carry the correct identification.

What happens if I receive a public transport fine?

When you get stopped by an Authorised Officer, tell them you have a valid proof of age card or concession card, but you forgot it.

The officer will then take your name and address and let you know you will receive a fine in the mail.

It’s important you give the Authorised Officer your correct name and address. Giving false details to an authorised officer is against the law and can get you a much bigger fine.

When you get home, write a letter that details the circumstances. Tell them that you have the correct ID (you might want to include a photocopy) and that you forgot to bring it. You may want to include other reasons why you forgot it that day.

Include the infringement notice number in your letter. Then send your letter to the government department at the address on the fine.

To learn more about your rights on public transport including how to contest a fine, visit our public transport rights page.  

Some travel is free in Victoria 

Everybody in Victoria is required to pay to travel on public transport except for a few specific situations, such as when you have a particular permanent physical disability, cognitive condition or mental illness. 

Travel is also free if you are riding in the Free Tram Zone in metro Melbourne (the city).  

You don’t need a ticket while travelling in the Free Tram Zone in Melbourne. The free tram zone includes the city centre, Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.