Cheaper, faster, better: Seven easy public transport hacks

For starters, early birds get a free ride – literally. Touch on and off before 7.15am on weekdays and your train trip will be free. Perfect for tradies and those with flexible work hours who want to come in early and use the gym before work.  

Not an early riser? You can still get a 10 per cent discount on the cost of an annual myki pass if you buy it through a workplace that uses Public Transport Victoria’s Commuter Club.

That’s a saving of more than $175 a year, so it’s worth talking to your employer about.  

Of course, if you’re making a short trip within the CBD you enjoy a free ride as long as you start and end your journey within the free tram zone. 

But free doesn’t always mean an easy ride. Free city trams can cause crushing crowds in the CBD until you get to the city edge where freeloaders get off. PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen says you can often avoid the crush by simply hopping on the wrong tram.

“If you’re in Bourke Street and need a number 96 tram but they’re all packed then don’t wait for the next 96,” he says. “Instead hop on [an alternative] tram and hop off at the city edge where the free travellers hop off which leaves a seat on your number 96 when it arrives.” 

Walking back a stop in the wrong direction might also help you snag a seat on a crowded tram. At busy stops such as outside Flinders Street Station, it’s wise to walk to a previous stop to board a tram before the crowds get on. 

When it comes to trains, avoiding a crowded peak-hour carriage might be as simple as walking to the far end of the platform. Daniel says end carriages are usually less crowded – you might even get a seat. 

He says when buses are replacing train services, you might like to seek out a different route altogether. “You might have to go across town and catch a train into the city, but it can be worth it because of the long delays with buses,” he says. 

Most regional travellers know catching an off-peak V/Line service will save them money, but many city travellers might be unaware they can take two children (under 19) free when catching a V/Line service to the country.  

The good news for regional commuters is that regional town bus fares remain unchanged at $4.80 for a daily fare and $2.40 for two hours.

At busy city stations, we can all play a part in keeping things moving quickly and efficiently, especially during crowded peak hours. 

A Metro Trains spokesperson says there’s no need to wait for the myki gates to close after the person in front before touching on. “The myki readers are faster than the gates, which means you can touch on straight after the person in front of you and don’t need to wait for the gates to close. This will get you in and out of the station faster.”

He says we can also help keep things running smoothly by avoiding accidents in and around trains. He says Metro recorded more than 1000 avoidable slips, trips and falls across the network, many of which required medical assistance and caused train delays. 

To help reinforce its safety message Metro has released a bloopers video showing CCTV footage of avoidable accidents.

Delays affect the punctuality and reliability of public transport and if a train or tram service falls below set standards, passengers may receive compensation equal to their daily fare.

Public Transport Victoria’s website, which offers advice on eligibility and how to claim compensation, says compensation is only available for Myki passes valid for 28 days or longer, not pay-as-you-go or weekly passes.

To make everyone’s journey more comfortable, ensure you avoid the 28 cardinal sins of commuting.