Travelling on public transport is one of the safest ways to travel. Victoria Police work closely with Transport Victoria(opens in a new window) and public transport operators to help make your journey an even 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) and public transport
Protective services officers (PSOs) patrol the public transport network to ensure your safety.
PSO deployment
PSOs are deployed across public transport network:
- based on when and where they are needed to help those in need of assistance, and,
- to prevent and manage:
- anti-social behaviour
- crimes against the person (including assaults and robberies)
- weapon offences, and,
- property damage.
What a PSO can do
A Victoria Police PSO can:
- request your name and address
- arrest and detain you
- search you and your property
- seize items such as:
- weapons
- graffiti implements
- drugs, and/or,
- alcohol
- issue infringement notices, and,
- 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.
PSOs on public transport
Our PSOs are onsite at train stations, trains, trams and major bus interchanges across Victoria, working to keep you safe.
PSOs also patrol the areas surrounding Victorian public transport network sites.
PSOs at metropolitan and regional railway stations
You’ll find PSOs at 105 metropolitan railway stations in the metropolitan area, and four regional railway stations.
These regional stations are Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Traralgon.
Roving PSO patrols
PSOs conduct roving patrols at a further 119 metropolitan railway stations from approximately 5pm to the last train.
This includes patrols on the trains and at the station and its surrounds.
PSOs on Melbourne’s Night Network services
PSOs are at 49 railway stations overnight on Fridays and Saturdays during the operation of Melbourne’s Night Network services.
Find a PSO at a railway station near you
From Sunday 19 April 2026, Protective Services Officers (PSOs) are deployed across Victoria’s rail network under a new Active Deployment Model to provide a visible safety presence on and around train stations.
PSO deployment varies by station.
At Category 1 metropolitan stations, PSOs are stationed from approximately 9.00am until the last scheduled service each day.
At Category 2 metropolitan stations and selected regional stations, two PSOs are stationed from approximately 5.00pm until the last scheduled service.
At Category 3 metropolitan stations, PSOs conduct mobile patrols from approximately 5.00pm until the last scheduled service.
Across the network, flexible, intelligence‑led PSO deployments operate to respond to emerging risks and priority locations.
On Friday and Saturday nights, additional PSOs are deployed at selected metropolitan stations from 10.00pm until 6.00am, including services operating as part of the Night Network.
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.
Report a crime on public transport
If the incident is happening now, the suspect is still on scene or if anyone is injured or in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
We encourage you to report any incidents which may have occurred on the public transport network. Speak to police officers or PSOs at the station, or on-board public transport at the time.
Make a report if you:
- witness or experience an offence or crime
- witness or experience harmful behaviour
- feel unsafe at any time.
If the matter is non-urgent, report through our Online Reporting service or by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 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 Crime Stoppers Wanted(opens in a new window).
Unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour on public transport
Report bad behaviour on PT
Text STOPIT to 0499 455 455 to report or notify us of unwanted sexual behaviour and anti-social behaviour on public transport.
Updated