The Melbourne Transport Network is well developed and it's easy to travel anywhere either by bus, trains ,trams or taxis in Melbourne.
Public Transport
Melbourne has an extensive public transport network known as Metlink. It spans metropolitan Melbourne and is divided into two zones:
- Zone 1 (yellow) inner Melbourne
- Zone 2 (blue) suburban and outer Melbourne
Trains, trams and buses run under Metlink. You can use your Metcard ticket for any of these modes. Your fees depend on what zones you travel to and from. For example, if you are going from Zone 2 to Zone 1 you need a "Zones 1 and 2" ticket. You can buy a Metcard at any station, tram, train or selected newsagents and other retail outlets.
Public transport is fairly reliable and safe to use. Most stations and stops display the relevant timetable. Services are reduced on weekends and public holidays.
The Metlink website also provides timetable and fare information. Check out the Journey Planner function where you can easily find out the right mode of transport for your trip.
Please note that in Victoria, you are not entitled to a transport concession card as an international student.
Driving
VicRoads is the state government body for vehicle registrations and licences. It provides information services on Roads, Traffic, and Road Safety. The following are some of the important road rules to keep in mind:
If you are in Victoria on a temporary student visa you can drive on your current and valid overseas driver licence. It must be in English, or accompanied by an English translation, and you must also carry some form of photo identification.
In Australia, we drive on the left side of the road. The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts. In Victoria , speed is limited to 50km/h in built up areas and 100km/h on freeways, unless signs show a different speed limit. Speed limits can be lower in some areas or at certain times (eg. outside a school, the speed limit may be lower at all times, or it may change at certain times on school days.).
Car Rental
The minimum age for renting a car in Victoria is 25 years. It is possible to hire a car if you are younger, but extra surcharges may apply. Prices vary hugely, especially with regard to insurance and damage excesses, so ensure you read the contract very carefully before signing.
Buying a car
You can browse the classified ads in The Age or The Trading Post, or check out the Layas notice boards, to get an idea of car prices. If you choose to buy a car, ensure that it is sold with a current Roadworthy Certificate (RWC). You may also consider getting it checked out with a qualified mechanic.
Taxis
Taxis, which are yellow, are widely available across Melbourne. They often wait in designated ranks that are clearly signposted at central locations like major hotels in the CBD, or busy spots such as Flinders Street Station. You can also hail a taxi in the street - if the rooftop light is illuminated, it means the taxi is available for hire - or book a taxi by telephone.
The major companies operating in Melbourne and Victoria are:
13 CABS (13 2227)
Arrow (ph 13 2211)
Embassy Taxis (ph 13 1755)
Silver Top Taxis (ph 13 1008)
Below are the current rates for 13CABS
| Flag
Fall |
$3.20 |
when
meter is started
|
| Distance Rate |
$1.526 |
per kilometre
(or $2.29 for vans) |
| Late Night Surcharge |
20% |
from Midnight
to 5am |
| Booking Fee |
$1.40 |
entered on the
meter at the start of trip |
| Waiting Time |
$0.547 |
per minute if
speed below 21 kph (or $0.821 for vans) |
| Cabs on CityLink
* |
$3.50 |
Western
Link |
| |
$3.50 |
Southern Link |
| |
$5.60 |
Both Links (one
way trip) |
| |
$0 |
Cab trip solely
on Batman Avenue (Exhibition St extension) |
| Melbourne Airport* |
$2 |
or $3 for a pre-booked
pick up from the Airport |
*If applicable, these are to be paid to the driver in addition to the fare shown on the meter.
Multiple hiring is permitted with the consent of the first and subsequent hirers. Hirers must not be charged more than 75% of the metered fare. The multiple hiring rate is not applicable to hiring for 6 or more passengers.
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