Public transport concession

On public transport, there are some strict rules on what ticket you can buy, and not following these rules might mean paying a fine.

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

Concessions are available to young people 

Young people can access cheaper public transport in Victoria.  

These cheaper tickets are called a ‘concession’ and give you a discount on travel. 

You have three ticket options: a child ticket, student pass, or general concession. 

Option 1: Buy a child ticket 

In Victoria, anyone aged from 5-18 can travel on a child ticket. 

If you are under 16, you can travel with a child ticket and do not need to carry proof of age. 

If you are 17 or 18 and buy a child ticket, you must carry proof of your age (such as a passport, learner permit, driver licence, Proof of Age card, Key Pass). 

Option 3: Buy a general concession

People under 18 are not the only group that can access cheaper tickets in Victoria.

There are many other valid concession cards you can get (there are 11 in total). All these concession cards allow you to buy a general concession ticket on a tram, train or bus (instead of a child ticket).

Four concessions are available to young people in Victoria: the tertiary student ID, international student pass, health care card, and asylum seeker ID.

Tertiary student concession

​​If you're a Victorian undergraduate student studying full-time on campus, you may be eligible for a PTV 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.

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 17 or 18, make sure you have proof of age. 

If you get a general concession (such as a PTV 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 PTV school student ID. 

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

How to get a PTV school student ID or tertiary ID 

Don’t have a PTV 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, PTV school student ID, or concession card.

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

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 a PTV-approved school identification card.

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

The PTV-approved School ID means students at participating schools no longer need to arrange, pay for and carry the dedicated PTV 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 PTV.

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 PTV.

If you are travelling on a child ticket, are 17 or 18, you forgot to carry your ID, 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 student pass, have a PTV 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 PTV 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.