Accessing public transport

Within Melbourne city, suburban trains run in a loop around five stations Flinders Street, Southern Cross, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central and Parliament stations. There are lifts leading to platforms at each of these stations for those with limited mobility.

For details on accessible metropolitan train services, refer to Public Transport Victoria's accessibility informationOpens in new tab or call 1800 800 007 or the National Relay Service on 133 677.

At present, not all trams or stops are accessible for people with mobility aids. However, mobility aid users can safely use tram services by boarding low-floor trams from level access stops.

Routes 11, 19, 96 and 109 are serviced by low-floor trams and some stops provide level access (Note: high-floor trams may be used during unforeseen circumstances, such as accidents or maintenance requirements). Routes 5, 6, 16, 48, 58, 72 and 86 are serviced by a mix of low-floor and high-floor trams. It's important that you plan your journey to ensure that both the stop you want to get on and the stop you want to get off at are level access stops.

Find accessible stops and low floor trams on your routeOpens in new tab.

For more information, see Yarra Trams accessibility informationOpens in new tab or contact Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or the National Relay Service on 133 677.

Most local buses in Melbourne are low-floor and accessible for people with a disability. Some buses can be lowered by the driver so they are closer to the kerb. If needed, the bus driver will also use a ramp to help passengers board the bus.

Low-floor buses have allocated spaces for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility aids. This area is marked on the floor with a wheelchair symbol.

To find out if the buses at your stop are accessible, call Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.

You can use the PTV journey plannerOpens in new tab to find accessible services and stops. Just choose accessible services and accessible stops only in journey settings.

SkybusOpens in new tab, the rapid link bus service between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station in the city, is wheelchair-accessible. For more information call 1300 759 287.

All V/Line stations are accessible for customers with mobility aids.

Passengers using a mobility aid can access most V/Line trains and coaches. The train conductor or coach driver can help you board. Most V/Line coaches have an allocated space for mobility aids.

For more information, visit the V/Line websiteOpens in new tab. On the website you can also find out if a station has facilities such as a lift or accessible toilet, and check whether the service you would like to travel on is accessible for passengers using a mobility aid.

You can bring dogs and some other animals with you on public transportOpens in new tab under certain conditions.

You can travel with an Assistance Animal PassOpens in new tab if you need a trained assistance animal to help you use public transport. To receive a pass, you'll need to show that your assistance animal is trained to help you manage your disability.

PTV can issue a range of travel passes for special needs access, including:

• Access Travel PassOpens in new tab available to people who have a permanent physical disability, cognitive condition or mental illness that prevents them from using myki.
• Scooter and Wheelchair Travel Pass Opens in new tabfor people who use a scooter or wheelchair while travelling.
• Vision Impaired Travel PassOpens in new tab people who are legally blind can travel free using this pass
• Assistance Animal PassOpens in new tab for people who need their animal to help manage a disability while using public transport.

See PTV Concessions and free travelOpens in new tab for a full list of concessions and travel passes that are available.

Other free travel cards:

• The Companion CardOpens in new tab allows a carer to travel free with the card holder on all public transport. Call 1800 650 611 for

  Translating and interpreting service (TIS): 131 450.

• The Victorian Carer CardOpens in new tab allows for free travel on weekends. Cardholders may also be eligible for free travel vouchers. See Carer CardOpens in new tab for more information.

Travellers AidOpens in new tab offers support, advice and assistance to all travellers, including people in emergency situations and those with special needs. They are located at Southern Cross Station and Flinders Street Station in the central city.

The City of Melbourne's mobility mapOpens in new tab includes mobility-friendly public transport information covering the central city area.