Everything you need to know about catching public transport while practising social distancing
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25.03.2020

Everything you need to know about catching public transport while practising social distancing

A few tips for travelling responsibly.

The regulations around social distancing have been changing constantly, leaving many confused about what they can and can’t do. For many Melburnians, public transport is the only option for getting from point a to point b, but can we catch the bus, tram or train while practising social distancing?

At the time of writing, PTV is still running and while there are some new measures in place to protect the health and safety of all passengers and staff, public transport is deemed an essential service and will continue to run unless stricter shutdown measures are enforced.

If grabbing the bus, train or tram is your sole means of travelling to the supermarket, work or wherever it is you need to go, here is everything you need to know about catching public transport amidst the current pandemic.

Hygiene

In addition to regular cleaning arrangements, increased sanitation measures have begun on all PTV trains, trams and buses. This includes a deep clean before each service for trams and nightly sanitation for Metro and V/Line trains, trams, and buses, with a focus on high touch areas like handrails and next stop buttons.

While PTV have introduced these measures in accordance with the advice of the Department of Health and Human Services, it’s also recommended that people wash their hands before and after travelling on public transport, avoid touching their face, cough and sneeze into their elbow and avoid public transport if they are unwell.

Social distancing

If possible, try and avoid catching public transport at peak times or consider catching an earlier or later service to or from work, if you can. This will help to reduce the number of people onboard trains, trams and buses and support social distancing measures. To ensure the health and safety of staff, the first row of seats on buses and trams are unavailable to passengers. If possible, seek to sit or stand at least 1.5 metres from other passengers.

General advice

PTV advise travellers to top up their Myki before catching public transport, as bus drivers are no longer accepting cash. You can do this online or at a Myki machine. Plan your journey ahead of time to avoid spending excess time on public transport and visit the PTV website to keep up to date with any disruptions to services. Practise common sense, respect fellow travellers and PTV staff and, again, stay at home if you are feeling unwell.

For more information, visit the PTV website