Safety on public transport
About
Trains, buses, trams and taxis are important means of transport. The good news is that public transport is one of the safest ways to get around and with some awareness and planning, you can stay even safer.
What to do
Before you get on
Before you get on any form of public transport, run your mind quickly over these tips.
- Pay attention. If you have headphones in, keep the volume down so you are aware of what’s going on in your surroundings.
- Avoid unnecessary waiting at a stop and plan your travel by using a timetable.
- When waiting at a stop, keep in well-lit areas/safe travel areas.
- If you are buying a ticket or topping up your transit card, check who is around before you take out cash or a credit card.
When on board
When you are riding on public transport, keep the following in mind.
- Keep your valuables close and out of view if possible.
- Familiarise yourself with the location of emergency alarm on trains.
- Show confidence – body language says a lot and a confident appearance can deter others from bothering you.
- Always trust your instincts – if you feel uncomfortable, get up and move or do whatever you can to improve your situation.
- If you feel threatened by someone: consider asking them to stop what they are doing, loudly and assertively. Making them the centre of attention can be a deterrent. You can also report them to the driver.
- Travel in a busy carriage.
- Be aware of your nearest exit or clear escape route.
When leaving public transport, be sure to notice who gets off with you. Have a plan to get to your car or home and keep friends and family informed of your travel plans. In all situations, if you feel your safety is being threatened, call Triple Zero (000).
In Victoria, after 6pm, there are Protective Service Officers (PSO) at over 200 train station across our state. They can provide support and assistance on dealing with anti-social behaviour.