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 Public Transport Victoria (PTV) 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, the night network service is an inexpensive alternative to taxis, even if you live in outlying Melbourne suburbs.
Travel around Victoria
If you're travelling around Victoria, between towns and regional centres, or to and from Melbourne, you will travel on a V/Line road coach or train service.
You can plan your regional journey by using either the:
Public transport tickets and fares
PTV's tickets page has information about public transport fares in Victoria.
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 also feedback to PTV through the PTV feedback and complaints page.
Safety on public transport
If you encounter a problem or a threat to your (or other people's) safety, whether it's a nuisance or something more serious, 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 PTV travelling safely 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 about accessibility and public transport, see the PTV's accessible transport page.
