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  • Travel
  • Car alternatives
  • Public transport
People getting onto a train

Use public transport

Using public transport can greatly reduce your energy use. For car owners it saves on wear and tear and fuel costs for your car and you don't have to worry about traffic jams, red lights or looking for and paying for parking.

  • Save money on fuel, car maintenance and parking
  • Reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduce stress levels
  • Reduce traffic congestion

At a glance

  • Savings 3
  • Ease 2
  • Impact 3

  • Take action
  • Rebates & Assistance 1

Start small

Each trip you take on public transport instead of driving makes a difference. Starting with just one or two trips a week helps reduce your energy use. You can relax, daydream, or even catch up on some reading or work while the driver takes you to your destination.

Take advantage of change

If your circumstances change—for example, you move home or get a job in a new location—take the opportunity to make a change in your travel habits. If you usually drive, it could be the perfect time to investigate public transport options and take the bus, train or ferry instead. It could be quicker and easier than you think.

Check out the routes and timetables

Many Australian cities and suburbs have good access to public transport. Your options could include trains, buses, trams or ferries.

  • Find out where your local stops are and which routes are the quickest and the cheapest. You might also want to find the more scenic routes for when you have extra time.
  • Timetables are usually available at train stations, tram and bus stops and online. There are generally different timetables for weekdays, weeknights and weekends.
  • Contact your state or territory transport office to find out about your public transport options.
    • ACT ACTION ACT Government
    • NSW Transport
    • NT Public transport Northern Territory Government
    • QLD TransLink Queensland Government
    • SA Timetables and maps Government of South Australia
    • TAS Metro Tasmania
    • VIC Public Transport Victoria
    • WA Transperth

Park and ride

Park and Ride facilities are car parks with connections to public transport. It's generally cheaper to park in a Park and Ride facility than use regular city parking, and in some areas the parking is free.

Park and Ride options are available in:

  • ACT Park & Ride ACT Government
  • NSW Bike sheds and lockers Transport
  • NT Public transport Northern Territory Government
  • QLD Parking Queensland Government
  • SA Park-n-Ride Government of South Australia
  • TAS Park and ride Metro Tasmania
  • VIC Stations and stops Public Transport Victoria
  • WA Station facilities Transperth

Park and Ride car parks can also be used in combination with car pooling and car sharing.

Bicycles on public transport

It is also possible to combine cycling and public transport. Bicycles are allowed on public transport under certain conditions in most states and territories including:

  • ACT Bike & ride ACT Government
  • NSW Travelling with bikes and boards Transport
  • NSW Walking and cycling Transport
  • QLD Travelling with your bike Queensland Rail
  • QLD How to travel with bikes on buses, trains, ferries Queensland Government
  • SA Bikes on board Government of South Australia
  • TAS Bikes on buses in Tasmania TRAVELLINGTWO
  • VIC Bikes and public transport Public Transport Victoria
  • WA Bikes on Transperth services Transperth
  • WA Transwa luggage policy Transwa

Bicycles are not allowed on buses in the Northern Territory, and buses and trams in South Australia and Tasmania.

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Finger pointing to a fuel consumption label on a car windscreen.

Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle

Buy a fuel-efficient vehicle and save money on your fuel costs.

City traffic jam

Motor transport

Find out about your motor transport options including fuel-efficient cars, hybrid and electric cars, fuel-efficient trucks and commercial vehicles, hybrid trucks, motorcycles and motor scooters.

A woman checking her car's tyre pressure

Drive efficiently

Tips for driving efficiently to save fuel and money and reduce pollution.

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