Travel and Transport

Getting Around

Melbourne has a comprehensive public transport system of trams, trains and buses. The tram network is the largest in the world, and the train system consists of 16 lines, and is the second biggest in Australia. It can get crowded at peak times in the morning and evening.

Use the journey planner at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/ to work out the best route for your regular journeys to study or work.

Tickets

Melbourne’s new stored-value Myki (my-key) ticketing system is on its way and will be in full operation on trains, trams and buses sometime in 2010.

Until then, and for the first six months of Myki’s operation, Metcard tickets can be used to ride on any of Melbourne’s metropolitan trains, trams or buses.

Metcards can be purchased at train stations, on board trams and buses, at retail outlets such as newsagents and convenience stores displaying the blue Metcard sign. A valid Metcard allows you to travel on all Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses.

Ensure you have a valid ticket as failure to do so could lead to a fine.

The transport network is divided into two zones, representing inner (zone 1) and outer (zone 2) Melbourne.

Tickets can be bought for two hours, a full day, a week, a month or a year.

You don’t pay per trip. Instead, make as many trips as you like within the zone and time period you’ve paid for – for instance, a zone-1 two-hour ticket, or a zones 1 & 2 weekly ticket.

Buying tickets in packs of five can save you money. This option is available at train stations, and selected newsagents and convenience stores.

You can buy a ticket on board a tram, but these machines take coins only.

There are no ticket machines on board buses or trains.

International students are not eligible for concession cards.

Wherever you buy your ticket, make sure you also validate it in one of the machines on the train platform or on board your bus or tram. Inspectors can issue heavy fines.

Most services end around midnight.

Timetable Information

Pocket train timetables can be obtained from railway stations.

The Metlink website will show you how Melbourne’s transport system operates and has timetables.

Visit Metlink website to register for SMS updates to your mobile phone.

NightRider

NightRider is a bus service that provides a safe, easy and inexpensive way to travel after midnight on weekends.

All you need is a valid Metcard.

Buses run every 30 minutes 1.30am - 4.30am on Saturday mornings and 1.30am to 5.30am on Sunday mornings. There are additional buses on selected routes and special services may operate for major events such as New Year's Eve.

Regional Victoria

Viclink provides public transport information and services for regional Victoria (areas of Victoria other than Melbourne and the metropolitan suburbs) and is operated by Metlink.

Metlink and Viclink can be contacted by telephone on 131 638 for information on metropolitan and regional train, tram, bus and coach services and bookings.

There is also a TTY (text telephone) facility for passengers with hearing difficulties on (03) 9619 2727.

Public Transport Concessions

Overseas students may be eligible for a concession card if they are studying as part of a recognised exchange program, if they have refugee status or if they hold an Australian Development Scholarship.

Fee-paying international students are not entitled to concession fares on public transport.

Driving

In Australia, drive on the left side of the road.

VICRoads is the state authority that issues Victorian driver permits and licences. They can also tell you whether your overseas licence or permit is valid in Victoria and for how long.

The VICRoads website has information in several languages on Victoria’s road laws.

Some of the rules that might be unfamiliar include:

• Keep left unless overtaking
• Give way to the right (for example, at roundabouts/traffic circles)
• Always give way to an emergency vehicle using sirens and flashing lights
• Some city intersections have hook turns, where you turn right from the left lane.
• Children under seven must be in a restraint or booster seat

This is not a full list. It is your responsibility to keep yourself informed of Victoria’s road rules.

Petrol prices can change quickly depending on international conditions, and have varied in recent times from $1.20 to $1.65 a litre.

Drugs and alcohol

If you drink alcohol or take drugs and then drive, you can expect to be stopped at any time for a random roadside test by Victoria Police.

If your blood alcohol level is more than .05 or you have any illicit drugs in your system, you can expect heavy fines, suspension of your licence, and even risk jail.

Accidents

• You must stop if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.
• You must provide your name and address to other people involved.
• You must report the accident to the police if anyone is injured, or there is damage to property and the owner is not there.

Your responsibilities to the other driver include:

• Exchanging names, addresses, registration numbers and insurance company details.
• Do not admit liability for the accident, or blame yourself publicly (this is for your own protection should legal considerations be raised).

Toll roads

Melbourne has several toll roads. You can either purchase an E-tag, or pay within 24 hours of your journey at selected newsagents or online. Further information is available at www.citylink.com.au and www.eastlink.com.au.

Taxis

Between 10pm and 5am, taxis require prepayment for journeys (you can use the Department of Transport’s online fare estimator for an indication of what your journey might cost). Drivers are entitled to charge extra fees, known as surcharges for:

• Flagfall, which means a surcharge for hailing a taxi on the street;
• CityLink and EastLink toll roads
• Airport
• Late night

If you not satisfied with your service, note your driver’s identification number, displayed on the dashboard, and the taxi registration number (licence plate) and report to Taxi company.