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      • Off-peak, smart meters and time-of-use pricing
    • Appliances and equipment
      • Energy rating labels
      • Energy-efficient appliances
      • Swimming pools, spas and pool pumps
      • Energy-efficient outdoor equipment
    • Your home and rental
      • Building and renovating for energy efficiency
    • Lighting
      • Energy-efficient lights
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  • Car alternatives
Red bus at a city intersection

Public transport

Using public transport (trains, buses or ferries) is a great alternative to driving your car and an effective way to reduce your energy use. Depending on where you live, it may even be quicker than driving and can give you time to read, do some work or relax while you get to work.

Public transport can also:

  • save money on fuel, car maintenance and parking
  • reduce stress levels
  • reduce traffic congestion
  • reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Most of us live close to public transport options. Many people now use their cars mainly on the weekend, catching public transport to get to and from work.

The more you use public transport, the more you encourage government to invest in it.

Disabled access

There are Australia-wide requirements on making access to public transport easier for people with disabilities. Information on how people with disabilities can access public transport is available:

  • ACT Accessible travel ACT Government
  • NSW Transport Access Program NSW Government
  • NT Accessible transport Northern Territory Government
  • QLD Disability access and mobility Queensland Government
  • SA Getting around with a disability or mobility aid Government of South Australia
  • TAS Concessions for the aged and people with a disability Tasmanian Government
  • VIC Accessible transport Public Transport Victoria
  • WA Buses, trains & public transport Government of Western Australia

For further information on disabled access on public transport, see the Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport.

Park and ride

Park and ride facilities are car parks with connections to public transport. They are usually located outside main centres and cities. Commuters travelling into city centres can leave their vehicles at the facility and transfer to public transport for the rest of their trip. The vehicle is parked in the car park during the day and retrieved when the driver returns.

See park and ride options for your state or territory.

Bicycles on public transport

It is also possible to combine cycling and public transport. Bicycles are allowed on public transport (see section titled Bicycles on public transport) under certain conditions.

Discounted tickets

If you travel on public transport regularly, you can purchase tickets in bulk at discounted rates. Contact your state or territory transport department for further information.

More from around the web

  • ACT | ACTION  ACT Government
  • NSW | Bus Transport
  • NSW | Ferry Transport
  • NSW | Train  Transport
  • NSW | Light rail Transport
  • NT | Public transport  Northern Territory Government
  • QLD | Translink  Queensland Government
  • SA | Adelaide Metro  Government of South Australia
  • TAS | Metro Tasmania  
  • VIC | Public Transport Victoria 
  • WA | Transperth  The Government of Western Australia

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person riding a bike on a busy city street

Cycling

Riding a bicycle reduces your travel costs and makes our cities more liveable.

adult walking with a small child

Walking

Walking can improve your health and fitness, reduce pollution and save you money.

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