The Perfect Guide to Melbourne’s Trams

Kristine von Freiesleben, Lerong Lin, Qiyuan Huang

Trams are undoubtedly the most popular form of public transport in the city of

Melbourne. They are fast, accessible and environmentally friendly. However, many

new international students are not aware of its complicated regulations. This article

will aid in understanding how the Melbourne trams work and the dos and don’ts

when using trams.

Topping Up your Myki

Myki Top – Up Machine (Photo via PTV Official Website)

You may purchase a Myki at any 7-eleven. There are Myki top-up machines at train

stations, all 7-elevens, and at certain tram stops. You can even top up and buy a

Myki Card online at the official PTV website.

Where and when to tap

Machine which you have to tap your Myki card on when you board the tram (Photo by Lerong Lin)

Knowing where to tap on your Myki in the trams can be very confusing, especially

for new international students. Some trams do not have a clear indication of where to

tap. The right place to tap is the blue rectangle located beneath the screen. If you

are unsure about where the taping machines are, they are on the vertical handle

closest to the door. Ensure that you tap-on or you could be fined AUD $229.

If you are traveling in the free tram zone, you do not have to tap at all. If you are

traveling beyond the free tram zone, you only need to touch on when you board the

tram. You do not have to touch off. Every tram stop will indicate whether it is in the

free tram zone or not. You may also refer to https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/.

Tram Etiquette

Wheelchair parking area on the tram (Photo via RailGallery)

When you are on the tram, there is a certain etiquette that needs to be followed to

ensure that everyone has a pleasant commute on the tram. On board the tram, if you

choose to stand, it is important that you avoid standing near the tram exists. This

would hinder those who want to alight or board the tram as you would be blocking

their way at the already narrow entrance.

One should also be aware of which standing section or seating area are reserved

for the handicapped and avoid standing or sitting in those areas especially during the

peak periods. Even if you are seated at a non-reserved seat, but you know that the

tram is full, do not hesitate to give up your seat to the elderly, handicapped or

pregnant women.

It is also important to avoid speaking loudly or making rude comments on the tram.

We need to respect the other commuters and ensure that they have a peaceful
journey. While it is acceptable to eat and drink on trams, do ensure that you do not

make a mess and take your rubbish with you when you leave the tram.

Safety measures

Sign at a tram stop alerting passengers to give way to trams (Photo by Lerong Lin)

The safety of pedestrians is important and hence it is essential that you adhere to

the safety measures. You should let those who are alighting to get off the tram first

before you board, especially during the peak period . If people do not obey the rules

it is possible for stampede accidents to occur.

It is important to note that people need to give way to trams. Before trams move off,

it will sound a bell and at that time you need to wait behind the yellow line. Avoid

waiting for the tram in the bicycle lane or on the road . This is to prevent accidents

and to ensure safety.

Indicating the stop that you want to alight at

Top: Blue String to pull when you need to alight on old trams (Photo by Lerong Lin)
Bottom: Button by the tram doors to press when you need to alight (Photo by Kristine von Freiesleben)

The trams will not stop at a tram stop if there is no one present at the stop. You

would have to press the white or green button located on the door handle by the

tram doors to indicate that you want to alight at the next stop. In older trams, you will

have to pull a blue string on the ceiling.

Conclusion

It is important that international students are aware of these rules and

regulations. This ensure that no unnecessary inconvenience, such as being fined

or getting injured, is caused to anyone.