Travelling on public transport is one of the safest ways to travel.
We work closely with Public Transport Victoria(opens in a new window) and public transport operators to help make your journey a safer one.
There are staff and many safety features across the train, tram and bus networks – all working together to keep you safe.
Protective services officers (PSOs)
Protective services officers (PSOs) patrol the public transport network to ensure your safety.
PSOs patrol train stations, trains, trams and major bus interchanges, every day and night. They also patrol the areas surrounding these transport sites.
PSOs are at 216 railway stations in the metropolitan area and four regional railway stations (Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Traralgon) daily between 6 pm and the last train.
They are also at all premium railway stations overnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
PSOs are there to help those in need of assistance and to detect, prevent and manage anti-social behaviour, crimes against the person (including assaults and robberies), weapon offences and property damage.
PSOs can:
- request a person's name and address
- arrest and detain persons
- search people and property
- seize items such as weapons, graffiti implements, drugs and alcohol
- issue infringement notices
- issue a direction to 'move on' from the area.
PSOs are supported by Victoria Police officers. Police officers conduct targeted patrols, while our detectives investigate crimes against the person and property offences.
Report a crime on public transport
If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
We encourage you to advise us of any offences, behaviour or any other incidents which may have occurred on the public transport network.
To report a crime you've seen or to tell us if you feel unsafe, speak to police officers or protective service officers at the station or on board public transport at the time.
If the matter is non-urgent, you may be able to make a report by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or by submitting an online report.
To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers online(opens in a new window), or call 1800 333 000.
To report unwanted sexual behaviour or anti-social behaviour or learn about STOPIT text notifications, visit our unwanted sexual behaviour or anti-social behaviour page.
Help identify an offender
You can help identify offenders for public transport specific offences by visiting the Crime Stoppers Wanted page(opens in a new window).
Travel safety tips
There are things you can do to keep safe while waiting for or boarding a train, bus or tram, and while you are in transit:
- Plan your journey before you travel.
- Keep your belongings where you can physically see and touch them.
- Put your phone or wallet in your front pocket.
- Be aware of your surroundings and of who is around you.
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