Getting familiar with public transport
Public transport services vary depending on where you live, but in many areas public transport can be even more efficient and often less stressful than driving.
To ride on trains, buses and trams in Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria, you’ll need a Myki card. Your Myki acts as a ticket and can store funds to cover your fares.
If you are making a one-off trip on V/Line paper tickets are still available from the ticket booth.
Myki cards can be purchased at shops including 7-Elevens and some Australia Post stores, you can also purchase a Myki at Public Transport Victoria (PTV) hubs and station ticket offices.
Once you’ve purchased a Myki card you can top up the funds at the same locations or online via the PTV website or app, the PTV website can also tell you which staffed stations can sell you a Myki card.
To ride on trains, buses and trams in Melbourne and many parts of regional Victoria, you’ll need a Myki card.
Getting familiar with public transport
Seniors MykiÂ
If you have a Victorian Seniors card you will qualify for a Seniors Myki, which gives you:
Free weekend travel in any two consecutive zones and on regional town buses
A 50 per cent discount on trains, trams and buses, including V/Line trains and coaches
Free travel during the annual Victorian Seniors Festival
Access to free travel vouchers
Public Transport Victoria also run Try Before You Ride events where staff will help you test out different types of transport, so you’ll feel safe and confident doing it on your own in the future.
The public transport Victoria website provides information on the travel options available in both metro and regional Victoria. You can visit the app store on your phone and download the PTV or V/Line app where you can plan your journey using public transport.
If you have mobility challenges and require assistance on V/Line services, there are Boarding Assistance Zones located at many stations across the network. All V/Line stations are accessible for customers with mobility aids, and most V/Line coaches have a lift and allocated space on board for people who use mobility aids.
If you require additional help, and you are accessing transport from Southern Cross Station, Flinders Street Station, Seymour Station or Ballarat Station, Traveler’s Aid can help. Traveler’s Aid offer free connection services for people with mobility needs.
Travelling with a carer or companionÂ
Riding alone on public transport isn’t an option for everyone. If you need help, the companion card or a carer coded Myki lets your carer or companion travel with you for free on trains, trams and buses. There are eligibility criteria that need to be met to qualify for a companion card, by demonstrating:
You have a significant, permanent disability.
Due to the impact of your disability, you are unable to participate at all community activities without a carer providing high level support.
High level support is required for the rest of your life.
To be eligible for a ‘we care’ carers card you must be:
The primary carer of a person with a disability, severe medical condition or mental illness, or someone who is frail aged or in need of palliative care.
A foster, kinship or respite carer.
Planning your journeyÂ
When it comes to catching public transport, planning can really save time and ensure the journey runs smoothly. And it’s easy to do with the PTV Journey Planner which is available both online and as a smartphone app.
To use Journey Planner, simply enter your starting point and your destination to get details of the next available public transport options, including buses, trains, trams, or a combination of travel modes. You’ll even find out journey times, and how long it takes to walk to the nearest stop or station.
