Using public transport can greatly reduce your impact on the environment. It can also save wear and tear and fuel costs for your car and you don't have to worry about traffic jams, red lights or looking for and paying for parking.
When you use public trains, buses, ferries or trams, you’re helping to shape the future of sustainable transport in Australia. You'll also know that you're helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Start small
Each trip you take on public transport instead of driving makes a difference. Starting with just one or two trips a week helps reduce your environmental impact.
You can relax, daydream, or even catch up on some reading while the driver takes you to your destination.
Check out the routes
Many Australian cities and suburbs have good access to public transport. Your options could include trains, buses, trams or a ferry.
Find out where your local stops are and which routes are the quickest and the cheapest. You might also want to know the more scenic routes for when you have extra time.
Check out the timetables
Timetables are usually available at train stations, tram and bus stops and online. There are usually different timetables for weekdays, weeknights and weekends.
Contact your state or territory transport office to find out about your public transport options.
- ACT: Action
- NSW: 131500
- NT: Northern Territory Transport Group
- QLD: Translink
- SA: Transport SA
- TAS: Metrotas
- VIC: Metlink
- WA: Transperth
Take advantage of change
If your circumstances change—for example, you move home or get a job in a new location—take the opportunity to make a change in your travel habits. If you usually drive, it could be the perfect time to investigate public transport options and take the bus, train or ferry instead. It might be quicker and easier than you think.
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 of main centres and cities. Commuters travelling into city centres 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 in 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.
If you're 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:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales - contact your local council
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
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.
