Personal Safety on Public Transport

Travelling on public transport is one of the safest ways to travel and there are things you can do to keep safe while waiting for or boarding a train, bus or tram, and while you are in transit.

Plan your route.

• Check route, departure times & any expected service disruptions to avoid being stranded.
• Transport operators have timetables & route information available on websites and or apps.
• Visit Public Transport Victoria.

During your journey.

• When wearing headphones, keep the volume low so you can hear any announcements.
• At stations stand back from the yellow line & look for safety zone marked on the ground.
• Make sure traffic has stopped before crossing the road to board a tram.
• Don’t be tempted to run across the road to catch tram.
• Keep clear of doorways.
• Keep your eye on prams and young children at all times.
• Place schoolbags, shopping bags or briefcases out of the way – on your lap if you are seated or between your feet if standing, but make sure you can physically feel & see them.
• If carrying phones, wallets, headphones or other valuables, put them deep into your bag or
  in your front pocket if you have no bag.

Closed circuit television (CCTV).

All metropolitan railway stations and many train carriages are equipped with CCTV cameras. Some trams and buses also have CCTV. CCTV captures video surveillance security footage. Your journey will be covered for your safety and police can use this to aid any investigations. Transit Safety Div. uses a mobile CCTV trailer to provide additional CCTV coverage as required.

Safety zones.

Safety zones are specific areas on a platform marked out by signs at the station and clear, yellow lines on the platform floor. These zones are well lit and located within reach of the public emergency communication system. Safety zones receive video surveillance throughout the train station’s hour of operation.

Public emergency communication systems.

Each train station platform is fitted with a public emergency and information communication system. The system is operated by a red and a green button:

• pressing the green button gives you train timetabling information
• pressing the red button gives you direct access to speak to the train driver and station staff for assistance in an emergency

Train carriages are also equipped with an emergency communication system. This provides direct communication with the driver if assistance is required.

Tram and Bus Drivers

Tram and bus drivers are able to provide assistance in an emergency. Note that you may need to wait until the vehicle stops.

Sexual offences

Addressing all forms of unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport is a priority for us. Offences of this nature are taken extremely seriously and we are committed to providing a
transport network which is free from harm and accessible to everyone.

Report anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. This includes rubbing, leering, sexual comments, indecent acts, groping, masturbation and taking photos of a sexual nature without your consent. We have dedicated trained detectives who identify the offender in eight out of ten reported cases. Our detectives will support you and provide referrals to support services. Your report will help us to stop it happening again.

Protecting your property

Bicycle and vehicle theft are often crimes of opportunity. PSOs and police patrol public transport to deter and arrest offenders. You can reduce the opportunity for thieves by protecting your property.

When parking your vehicle:

• park in a well-lit and secure area
• put all items out of sight
• secure your number plates with one-way screws
• lock all doors and windows, and double check your car is locked.

When securing your bicycle at railway stations:

• record your bicycle’s serial number
• use a good quality D lock
• secure your bicycle in a Parkiteer cage or similar bicycle security
• lock your bike securely.