Public transport

It’s not only cheaper than having your own car but way better for the planet too. If everyone used more public transport the world would be a better place! There are many different public transport options including buses, trains, trams, light rail and ferries depending on which state or territory you are in.

Some areas of Australia have better public transport systems than others but we have tried to give you as many options as possible for your area. Check out the links below for more information on each type of transport in your state.

What ticket should I buy?

There are many different ticketing options on public transport so you can usually find one that suits you and your needs. You might be travelling to your destination only once or to the same place every day for work or you might need a travel pass that includes use of the bus and the train or a ferry and a bus. Also consider the time of day you are travelling because it can sometimes be cheaper to buy your ticket outside of peak hour (after 9am and before 5pm). It’s worth doing the research because having the right ticket that suits you can save you a lot of money.

Do the math – another easy way to work out what kind of ticket suits you is to do the calculations yourself. Times the cost of individual ticket by the amount of times you are going somewhere in a week. You might find it’s cheaper to just buy a weekly even though you aren’t going everyday of the week!

To find out about the different ticketing options, check out the relevant websites below for more information or just ask the staff at the ticket booth where you buy your ticket.

QLD –Translink is your best starting point for fares, timetables, and information about all forms of public transport in Queensland.

WA – Public Transport Authority is your best starting point for fares, timetables and information about all forms of public transport in Western Australia.   TransPerth covers trains buses and ferries across the Perth metropolitan area. You can plan your trip online and find out about timetables, fares, and how to manage your travel. Check out TransPerth or call 13 62 13.

SA – Adelaide Metro is your best starting point for fares, timetables and information about all forms of public transport in metropolitan Adelaide. If you live in the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula visit Link SA bus services or call 08 8339 7544. For the Yorke Peninsula and Mid North, Yorke Peninsula Coaches visit YP Coaches or call 08 8821 2755

NT – The NT Government is your best starting point for fares, timetables, and information about all forms of public transport in the NT. They have timetables and maps for your area and information on fares and tickets.

VIC – Public Transport Victoria (PTV) is your central point of contact for fares, timetables, live travel updates, maps and information about all forms of public transport in Victoria including buses, trains and trams.

NSW – TransportNSW  your best starting point for fares, timetables and information about all forms of public transport in Western Australia

Concession cards

Being eligible for a concession card changes with every state department but generally you can get discounted fares if you:
• have a disability
• are a school student
• are a full time student at university or TAFE
• are on an apprenticeship or traineeship under the Australian Indentured Apprentice or Australian Traineeship System Scheme
• are a jobseeker receiving benefits (check with the department in your state)

Fines

There are a few different reasons you can be issued with a fine when using public transport and they can range from putting your feet on the seats or drinking alcohol when you are on board to swearing or smoking.

The main reason a lot of people get fines is fare evasion (not buying a ticket) – always make sure you have a ticket to ride. You might be a bit strapped for cash at the time and think you can get away with it but the fines can be over $1,000 so it’s just not worth the risk.