Public Transport and Taxi Services
 Find out about public transport and taxi services, subsidies and resources under these topics:
How do I get around on public transport?
Public Transport services are managed by the Victorian Government’s Department of Transport  A range of public transport ticket discounts are available for seniors, pensioners, Health Care Card and Companion Cardholders.
- Find metropolitan bus, train & tram services at Metlink
- Find regional v/line, bus and coach services at Viclink
If you have mobility problems, you may need services with enhanced ease of access.
For statewide transport accessibility information, visit metlink’s mobility information and Department of Transport’s accessibility information. Further information on bus accessibility in some areas of metropolitan Melbourne is provided by VisitVictoria
Hint!
A recent initiative has been launched to improve and expand the bus network both in metropolitan and regional Victoria. |
Be aware that public transport is limited in many regions! If this is the case, you may find taxi, community, medical, rural or other transport options helpful.
Taxi services overview
Taxi services are regulated by the Victorian Taxi Directorate within the Department of Transport.
Visit for taxi service information around Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Following are some taxi services you might be interested in:
Hints!
- Be aware that there are often significant waiting times for wheelchair accessible taxis and drivers can sometimes be more or less sensitive to your needs. Taxi drivers have business cards, ask for one if you want to use them again.
- If you make a regular taxi booking with a driver between set destinations, you might try negotiating a mutually beneficial trip fare. Please note that many drivers may be unaware of this practice and this arrangement remains up to the driver’s discretion on the day.
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Subsidies and allowances overview
The ongoing cost of transport can be difficult to manage, particularly for people with disabilities. The following programs can help make transport more affordable.
Multi-Purpose Taxi Program
This Victorian Government subsidy scheme makes taxis more affordable for people with severe and permanent disability who cannot use public transport by themselves. Eligibility for the program is means tested. If you are eligible, you need to become a member to receive half-price taxi fares. more info
Hint! Be aware of the program’s annual subsidy cap.
Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme
This scheme partially reimburses eligible medical-related traveling expenses, including transport and accommodation. Veterans should refer to the Veterans’ Repatriation Transport Scheme.
Companion Card - 1800 650 611
Companion cards enable people with a disability, and who require a traveling companion, to obtain a second ticket for no cost.
Centrelink Mobility Allowance
This payment is available to people with disabilities who:
- Require assistance to use public transport, and
- Are involved in job-seeking, vocational training, or work-related activities.
Mobility assistance for travelers
Public Transport may be more difficult to access if you have a mobility issue. To address this problem, we have outlined below some support services and resources you might find helpful.
Traveller’s Aid - 03 9654 7690
Traveller’s Aid is a welcoming service for people traveling to Melbourne. This service is located at Southern Cross and Flinders St Stations. Accessible facilities as well as visitor, transport and accommodation information are available at Southern Cross Station. Extra support is available at Flinders St Station including personal care assistance, web access, social meeting rooms and transport relief.
Melbourne Mobility Centre - 1800 735 266; (03) 9650 6499
Located in Federation Square, the Mobility Centre aims to improve city access for everyone. The Centre loans mobility equipment and runs services and facilities for older people and people with disabilities.
Services include:
- accessible toilets and mobility information;
- TTY telephone and accessible web access;
- scooter battery re-charge facilities;
- tea, coffee and refreshment facilities; and
- volunteer services including companion services, transfer services and ‘meet and greet’ services
Helpful resources and advocacy bodies
Accessing Melbourne
This site aims to assist people with mobility impairments to access Melbourne.
Parkinson’s Victoria (PV) is the peak body for Victorian people with Parkinson’s Disease. We provide information, support, education, advocacy and referral through our confidential helpline: 1800 644 189. Share your experiences with us so we can advocate to government for better services.
Public Transport Access Committee
This committee advises the Minister for Public Transport about issues concerning access to public transport for people with disabilities.
Public Transport User’s Association - (03) 9650 7898 is an advocacy body which contains useful information, public transport links, travel tips and details about the Public Transport Ombudsman.
Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) - is the peak body of the non-government social and community services sector. VCOSS represents issues relating to disadvantage to the government and wider community.
Find more information on transport and taxi advocacy and how you can get involved. |
