Public transport
Public transport is designed to help people get around their local area, without needing to use private cars. For those without access to cars, it can give them the freedom to get around without having to rely on friends and family for transportation.
Did you know? A freeway lane carries 2,500 people/hour. A railway line carries 50,000 people/hour.1
Travel tips for enjoying public transport
- Pre-plan your trip to and from your desired location before leaving.
- Arrive at the stop or station five minutes before the timetabled arrival of your service.
- Have the correct fare and be ready to pay on boarding, to help maintain travel times.
- If you have a concession card, have it ready to show the driver or ticket seller.
- Be polite. Give your seat up for the elderly, people with disabilities or expecting mothers.
- Use earphones when listening to music and have the sound at a reasonable level.
- Never put your feet up on the seat, you may be the next person to have to sit on a dirty seat.
- Do not obstruct the aisles with bulky luggage or bikes.
- Once aboard, sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Tips specific to each type of public transport
Buses
- Give way to disembarking passengers.
- Make sure that you stand at the bus stop somewhere that the driver can easily see you hail the bus.
- Hail the bus clearly, so the driver knows that you’re signalling him.
- If you have to stand on the bus, make sure that you hold onto something in case the bus has to stop suddenly.
Trains
- Give way to disembarking passengers.
- Always stay behind the yellow safety line when waiting at a platform.
- Never try to board a train when the doors are closing. It’s better to wait for the next train than be injured.
- Watch out for the gap between the platform and the train.
Ferries
- Give way to disembarking passengers.
- Wait until signalled by the ferry operator before boarding.
Benefits of public transport
- It reduces congestion. One full bus can take up to 40 cars off the road!
- It reduces greenhouse gas emissions as both trains and buses produce far less greenhouse gases per person than a car.
- It can be relaxing. Read or listen to music instead of fighting peak hour traffic.
- It can save you time, especially when the roads are gridlocked.
- The walk to and from your stop or station contributes to 30 minutes a day of physical activity recommended by health experts for adults2.
Related links
1 Sustainability and Cities, P. Newman, 1999.
2 Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing, www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-physical-activity-adults-pdf-cnt.htm (Accessed 14/11/2009) The National Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults (brochure) 2005.
