Using public transport (trains, buses or ferries) is a great alternative to driving your car and an effective way to reduce your impact on the environment. Depending on where you live, it can even be quicker than driving and can give you time to read, do some work or relax while you get to work.
Public transport can also:
- save you money on fuel, car maintenance and parking
- reduce your stress levels
- reduce local traffic congestion and noise and air pollution.
Most of us live close to public transport options. Many people now use their cars mainly on the weekend, catching public transport to get to and from work.
The more you use public transport, the more you encourage government to invest in it.
Disabled access
There are Australia-wide requirements on making access to public transport easier for people with disabilities. Information on how people with disabilities can access public transport is available in:
- Queensland
- New South Wales
- ACT
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Western Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
For further information on disabled access on public transport, see the Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.
Park and ride
Park and Ride (also called Parkways in Victoria or incentive parking) facilities are car parks with connections to public transport. They are usually located outside main centres and cities. Commuters travelling into city centres can leave their vehicles at the facility and transfer to public transport for the rest of their trip. The vehicle is stored in the car park during the day and retrieved when the owner returns.
It’s generally cheaper to park in a Park and Ride facility than use regular city parking. In some areas the parking is free. Park and Ride car parks can also be used in combination with car pooling and car sharing.
By using Park and Ride facilities and public transport you are helping to reduce the amount of traffic in our cities, meaning less noise and air pollution and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Park and Ride options are available in:
and New South Wales.
For information about Park and Ride facilities in New South Wales, contact your local council; and in Tasmania, contact Metro Tasmania.
Bicycles on public transport
It is also possible to combine cycling and public transport. Bicycles are allowed on public transport under certain conditions in most states and territories including:
Bicycles are not allowed on buses in the Northern Territory, South Australia or Tasmania.
Fold-up bicycles can be taken on public buses when they are folded and stored correctly.
Discounted tickets
If you travel on public transport regularly, you can purchase tickets in bulk at discounted rates. Contact your state or territory transport office for further information.
