Public Transport Division
The Public Transport Division of the Department of Transport is responsible for coordinating and monitoring public transport services in Victoria. The Public Transport Division also has a leadership role in developing and improving all parts of the State's bus, train, tram and taxi networks.
Information on this page
About Public Transport Division
The Public Transport Division was established in 1998 (as the Office of the Director of Public Transport) as the Victorian Government agency responsible for public transport services. It assumed the planning and performance management functions from the former Public Transport Corporation.
The Public Transport Division has a contract management role. Contracted transport operators are responsible for the delivery of public transport services.
The division liaises closely with public transport operators, local government and other State Government agencies to ensure Victoria has an efficient, reliable and integrated transport system that meets the needs of everyone in the community.
Who's who in Victoria's public transport network.
Public Transport Division functions
Accessibility
Ensuring that all members of the community can access public transport services and facilities is essential. An Accessible Transport Unit provides policy and planning advice to the Government, transport operators and the community on issues relating to public transport accessibility including for people with a mobility impairment such as people with disabilities, parents with prams and elderly people. More information on
Accessibility projects and programs
Contract management
The Public Transport Division manages all contracts for regular passenger train, tram, bus and ferry services throughout Victoria, including school bus services.
See also
Public transport partnership agreements.
Performance monitoring
All public transport contracts include performance targets and service standards and it is the responsibility of the Public Transport Division to monitor operator performance to ensure services are meeting Government and community expectations.
Contracts with major transport operators include both incentive payments and penalties related to performance and service standards. The Public Transport Division produces the quarterly
Track Record bulletin to report on the outcomes of performance monitoring for metropolitan train, tram and bus and V/Line Passenger country train services.
See also
Performance monitoring.
Planning
The Public Transport Division not only looks after the existing transport needs but also has a responsibility to plan for the future to ensure that the transport network continues to meet community needs.
A public transport planning unit is located within Public Transport Division to investigate Victoria's long-term public transport needs and plan the services and facilities required in the years and decades ahead.
See also
Public transport and planning referrals.
Regional officers
The Public Transport Division has a strong regional presence in Victoria with offices located throughout the State.
More information on
Regional offices.
Safety
The safety of Victoria's public transport network is of paramount importance.
Public Transport Division has a key role in many projects for delivering a safe public transport system and works closely with Public Transport Safety Victoria, which is responsible for the accreditation and licensing of operators and independent investigation of incidents involving public transport vehicles or facilities.
See
Safer public transport and
Public Transport Safety Victoria.
Special events
Victoria is renowned for its festivals, sporting events and exhibitions and public transport has an important part to play in many of these events.
The Public Transport Division works with transport operators to ensure that public transport services are available and coordinated to support major events such as the Australian F1 Grand Prix, the Spring Racing Carnival, AFL matches, the Australian Tennis Open, Avalon International Airshow and many more. For information on public transport services for current major events visit
Metlink.
See
Notification of events affecting public transport.
Taxis and hire cars
Taxis and hire cars are an important part of the public transport network and the Division's responsibilities include regulating taxi and hire car services throughout Victoria, including the coordination of taxi driver training programs and managing taxi fare structures.
See
Taxis and hire cars.
Ticketing
The Public Transport Division also coordinates Victoria's ticketing systems and fare structures. The Division is investigating means for improving the metropolitan ticketing system.
See
Tickets and fares.
Contact information