How to Ride a Bus in Melbourne

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Know where you're going.

   Now, go onto Metlink's Website and use the Trip Planner to plan your trip.
   
   Or if you know the specific bus company or bus route number, go to the companies website.
   
   You can get bus timetables usually from the bus companies depot in hard copy, or online at Metlink or the companies website.
   
   You can also get Local Government Area maps from Metlink, the Metshop, your local railway station or online.
   
   If you have an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you can download the Metlink application, which has offline timetables for almost every single public transport service within Victoria.
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   Step 2: Find your bus stop.

   Ensure you are at your bus stop about 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time, as buses are only contracted to pull up on time at major time points. , If it's night, try to find a bus shelter with lights.
   
   If its raining, try to find a bus shelter. , Hail the bus until the bus driver acknowledges you by turning the buses turn indicator light on.
   
   If the bus is not the bus you're looking for (different route), signal the driver either by standing back or signalling 'No' with your hand or head. , If there are other passengers getting off the bus, give way to them.
   
   If you are a disabled passenger in a wheelchair, or a different passenger with ramp accessibility needs, the driver should pull the ramp out for you. , The ticket will go into the machine and it will validate.
   
   It should return with either 1 beep for standard full fare tickets or 2 beeps for concession tickets.
   
   If you hear multiple beeps, the machine will have printed EXPIRED on your ticket, and this obviously means your ticket has expired.
   
   If you have a myki please hold the myki card on the green myki reader until you hear a beep and see a green light to touch on.
   
   If you see a red light please try to touch on again.
   
   If you still get a red light, your myki has no money and will need to be topped up OR it is expired or has a problem.
   
   Call myki on 13 6954 (13 myki). , Tell the driver what ticket you need and give the driver cash
   - the driver in most circumstances will not take large notes.
   
   Correct fare is appreciated.
   
   The driver will then key in the ticket type into the machine.
   
   The driver should give you a metcard, which is blank and you must insert this into the validator.
   
   If the driver does not issue you with a ticket, you should call Metlink on
   131638. , If you are sitting in the front seats (middle seats on some older Volvo buses) which has a sticker on the top, by law, you are required to free the seat for elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers, on request. ,, It is courteous to signal the driver in thanks or thank the driver verbally. , If you don't you will receive an expensive 'default' fare!!!
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   Step 3: Wait in a calm and orderly manner.

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   Step 4: When you see the bus and the bus can see you

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   Step 5: hail the bus by putting your hand out and clearly signalling the bus.

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   Step 6: When the bus pulls up and the doors are open

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   Step 7: board the bus.

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   Step 8: If you have a ticket (Metcard or Myki)

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   Step 9: validate it by inserting it into the validator (the green machine) with the blue front side pointing towards you and the white arrow pointing downwards if it is a metcard.

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    Step 10: If you do not have a ticket

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    Step 11: buy one from the driver.

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    Step 12: Once you have boarded the bus

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    Step 13: sit down if there are any seats.

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    Step 14: To get off the bus

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    Step 15: you must pull the cord or push the STOP button before your stop - you need to give the driver enough notice.

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    Step 16: When getting off

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    Step 17: get off in an orderly manner.

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    Step 18: If you have a Myki remember to TOUCH OFF YOUR MYKI CARD!!!

Detailed Guide

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