Buses in Melbourne Melbourne’s bus network is reasonably good, servicing the same routes as trams, as well as destinations overlooked by trains or trams. The only downside with buses is that they tend to take longer, often getting bunched up in traffic during peak periods.

Tickets, called Metcards, can be pre-purchased from train stations and stores displaying a Metcard sign and are interchangeable for use on all metropolitan public transport. As well, you can purchase tickets from the bus driver on selected services. Fares are based on duration and distance, with metropolitan Melbourne divided into three zones. When travelling on all public transport, make sure you have a valid ticket as roving ticket inspectors can fine you AUD$100.

NightRider

Ph 131 638
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/nightrider/

The NightRider is an after midnight bus service that runs to Melbourne’s outer suburbs on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Costing around AUD$6, buses run along nine routes and departs the city from Swanston Street (in front of the Westin Hotel) and Crown Entertainment Complex every hour between 12.30am and 4.30am. Onboard mobile phones are available so you can call a taxi or a friend to collect you from a bus stop.

NightRider operate low-floor wheelchair accessible buses with stepless entry, making it easier for people using wheelchairs or with limited mobility to board and move around the vehicles with ease. You should call ahead to confirm low-floor buses.

Special services also operate during the year to support major Melbourne events like the Australian Grand Prix and New Year's Eve.

NightRider Map (click to enlarge)

Accessibility

Buses are not always a viable option for wheelchair users. All vehicles and bus stops must eventually become accessible, but this will be a slow process.

Grendas Bus Company
Grenada currently has 40 wheelchair accessible buses on suburban routes. Customers should telephone ahead to ensure that an accessible bus will pick them up, and that the bus stop is wheelchair accessible. Ph 03 9791 2988
www.grenda.com.au  

Melbourne Bus Link
Melbourne Bus Link manages nine major inner city bus routes. The company endeavours to assist customers who call ahead requesting wheelchair accessible buses.
Ph 03 9689 8555
www.melbbuslink.com.au  

National Bus Company
The National Bus Company currently has 84 low floor wheelchair accessible buses, and runs about 90 per cent of services in the CBD. Customers can call to request a wheelchair accessible bus (you must call 24 hours in advance), or check the website bus timetable for information on low floor accessible buses. Buses marked with a W on bus stop timetables indicate that they are wheelchair accessible.

Ph 03 9481 8222 (general enquiries)
Ph 131 638 (accessibility enquiries – within Australia)
www.nationalbus.com.au  

Demand Response Bus
The service operates in the St Kilda and Port Melbourne areas for people who are unable to travel on trams or buses. Two buses, both hoist equipped, are capable of carrying up to three wheelchairs and four companions.
The buses must be booked 24 hours in advance. The service operates Mon - Fri between 7.30am and 10pm. There is no service on weekends or public holidays.
Ph 0412 525 376
Ph 1800 012 061 (within Australia)
Normal Met charges apply