Public Transport in Australia
Each state of Australia has its very own public transportation system that has been designed to answer the traveling needs of that particular state.
Generally, the public transportation system in Australia includes:
1- Buses
2- Trains
3- Trams
4- Taxis
5- Ferries
Companies of both public and private sectors provide transportation services under the supervision of the road and transportation authorities. Since the road and driving rules of each state has been made for that specific state, each state has its own road and transportation authority. In Sydney, it is called Road and Traffic Authority or RTA .au. Or, as another example, in Victoria, it is called Department of Transport.Here is the complete list of transport authorities in Australia:
|
State |
Authority Name |
Address |
|
New South Wales (NSW) |
Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) |
|
|
Victoria (VIC) |
Department of Transport |
|
|
Queensland (QLD) |
Department of Transport and Main Roads |
|
|
South Australia |
Roads and licensing authority for South Australia (Transport SA) |
|
|
Northern Territory |
Northern Territory Transport Group |
|
|
Western Australia |
Department of Transport |
|
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) |
Road Transport Authority |
|
|
Tasmania |
Department of Transport |
In order to use the public transport you will need to obtain a ticket. There is a great range of various tickets to buy. Such as single (one ride) tickets, or travel ten (ten rides) tickets as well as weekly and monthly tickets. You can buy separate tickets for different types of transportation or you can buy combined tickets that allow you to use any kind of transportation (e.g. Bus and Train).
Trains, ferries and majority of buses are prepaid only. It means that you must have a valid ticket in order to get on board. Buses might sell tickets on board especially on public holidays.
When you are on board, you must have your ticket with you as transportation officers might come on board and ask you to show them your ticket. If you fail to do so you will get fined.
If you are in a bus stop and a bus approaches you, you must signal the driver to stop. If you don’t signal the driver and none of the passengers ask the driver to stop (by pressing a button), the driver will not stop in the bus station.
In case that you have an address but you don’t know how to get there, you can visit the web site of the transportation (or call their number) for assistance. For example, in New South Wales, you can either call 131500 or you may visit http://www.131500.com.au . All you have to do is to enter your address and it will tell you how to get there. I advise you to use this website (or similar website in your target state) if you are moving or traveling to Australia so that using it becomes easy for you and you would not have difficulties to find your address once you are inside Australia.
Trains
Train is the most important mean of transportation in Australia. Needless to say that you must have a valid and proper ticket to use trains. There is usually a central train station in each state that all the train lines cross it. In NSW (Sydney) it is called Central Station (or just Central).
Trains usually travel on the ground unless they have to. For example when they enter the city center (CBD) they act like a metro (subway). You must have your ticket with you since you are on a platform till you get out of the target station. Train officers who patrol in the compartments and in the stations might ask you to show them your ticket.
You can also use trains to visit tourists and recreational spots. For instance, in NSW, you may use train to visit Blue Mountains and even stay there for a couple of nights. Also in Sydney, there is a certain type of train called Metro Light Rail (MLR) which commutes between Central Station and Lily field. It has been designed for visitors so that a visitor is able to visit many touristic places of Sydney with only on ticket. These places include Glebe (known for perfect cafes, bookshops and restaurants), Fish Market (for sea foods), Start City (casino), Darling Harbor, China Town, Hay Market and George Street (Main Street of the city).
Bear in mind that drinking, smoking and eating is forbidden while on board.
Taxis
Taxis belong to private taxi companies, such as TaxiesCombined and Prestige. Taxi fares depends on the company and the type of the taxi as some taxi companies aim to provide services to businesses rather than individuals. In a nutshell, using taxi in Australia is costly!
Taxis are equipped with CCTV and/or voice recorders. Thus, what you say or do might be recorded and reported. This is done to protect you , the driver and to resolve the possible conflicts. The passenger’s rights are displayed in the taxi. For example, you will have the right to choose the route.
Taxi companies also provide pick up services. If you need a taxi for a certain time, you can call them or book online.
Trams
Not all states have trams. Trams are a major part of the public transport in Victoria and somehow in South Australia but not in New South Wales. Sydney has a mono rail that travels in a short route inside the city. Using mono rail you may visit Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower, Darling Harbor, Power House and China Town. Mono Rail and Metro Light Rail are a bit expensive (up to $37!).
In Melbourne, tram is a key transportation mean, so you must get to know how it works and how to plan your trip. Visit http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au for more information about the Metro Link in Melbourne.
Trams used to be working constantly in Brisbane but later they have not been used as much and the city, just like Sydney, is using Light Rail. Old trams are demonstrated in Brisbane Tramway Museum (www.brisbanetramwaymuseum.org).
In perth, as well as South Australia and Northern Territories, trams are used much less than before. In Perth, trams have become a tourist attraction rather than a serious transportation mean. If you travel to Perth and you see a tram that moves on wheels, and not on a rail, don’t get confused!
Ferries
Ferries operate in the waterways, such as Sydney Harbor. Sometimes it is impossible or very time consuming to travel by bus as buses have to go round a bay or a harbor. In such a case ferries are used. Just like other transportation types, you will have to obtain a proper ticket to travel with ferries. Ferries are more expensive than buses (e.g. $5.30 for a single ride). To obtain the ticket and use a ferry, you will have to go to a wharf. To find out location of the wharfs, the waterways and obtaining other related information, visit the website of the public transportation in your state.
