Tips for safe travel on public transport

Before you travel

• Plan ahead and avoid rushing. Use our journey planner or download the PTV App for timetables, disruptions and real time departure information.
• Register your myki. It lets you check your myki balance, travel history and protect your balance if your card is lost or stolen.
• Check your myki balance and top up your myki if you need to.
• Get information on paper tickets for V/Line services and regional town buses.
• Consider travelling outside peak times when there are less people on the network. myki offers free travel before 7.15am on metropolitan trains.

While you’re travelling

There are a number of things you can do to keep yourself and others safe while travelling:

1. Hold on to overhead handles or poles – trams, trains and buses often stop suddenly.
2. Watch your step and stay focused when getting on and off.
3. Always try to sit down and enjoy the ride. And if you can, travel on a service that is not as busy. 

Practise good hygiene

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you travel.
• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
• Dispose of any tissues or personal items in bins at stops and stations.
• Maintain physical distance from others when you can.
• Stay home if you are unwell. 

View more safe travelling tips from Metro Trains, Yarra Trams and V/Line.

What to do in an attack

In the event of an attack, what you do matters.

In the unlikely event you face an attacker armed with a gun, knife or similar weapon, it is important to be prepared to react quickly.

You need to remember three words: ESCAPE. HIDE. TELL.

• ESCAPE – Move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do so.
• HIDE – Stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.
• TELL – Call police by dialling Triple Zero (000) when it is safe to do so.

For more information, visit the National Security website.

Learn about your accessible public transport options and travelling with children on public transport.