Safety when travelling by bus

• Keep a path clear on the footpath to allow others to walk past the bus stop safely.
• Wait at the bus stop where you can signal and be seen by the driver.
• When you have signalled stand back from the kerb as the bus pulls in.
• Allow passengers to get off the bus before you get on
• Have your Opal card or contactless payment easily accessible before you get on the bus.
• Watch your step and mind the gutter when getting on and off the bus.
• Use the handrail when boarding.
• Ask the driver to lower the bus if needed. This may not be possible with older buses.

If the bus has departed from the stop, the driver is not obliged to reopen the doors and let passengers on or off. This is for everyone’s safety.

• Keep clear of the doors to avoid getting caught in them when they open and close.
• If you cannot reach the next stop button, you can ask another passenger to press it for you.
• Quickly take a seat if one is available, or hold onto a handrail so the bus can get moving.
• When seated, keep both feet planted on the floor in case the bus stops suddenly.
• If seated, offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. This includes people who are older, who have a disability or impaired mobility, who are pregnant or travelling with children.
• If no seats are available, move to the back of the bus and hold onto the hand rails and straps.
• If standing, do not stand in the safety area around the doors.
• Ensure luggage, bags and personal items are stowed correctly and are not blocking the aisle.
• When standing, place bags between your feet.
• Allow other passengers enough room to move if they are getting off the bus.
• Give the driver plenty of time when you ring the bell before your stop to allow the bus to safely and smoothly pull into the stop.
• Do not interfere with the operation of the bus in any way.
• Do not distract the driver when driving the bus unless there is a security or safety incident.
• If you need information about the route or your destination, ask the driver when you board or when the bus is at a bus stop.
• If the bus doors have closed before you have been able to get off at your stop and you need them reopened, call out to the driver.
• Speak with the driver if travelling with a surfboard. They will advise if you can bring it onto the bus.

Remember to tap your Opal card or contactless payment when you get on the bus and again when you get off the bus. There are usually three card readers on every bus:

• near the driver's cabin
• near the accessible seating
• near the back doors

If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, or in an emergency, please:

• Move away from danger if possible
• Alert the driver
• Listen for instructions from the driver

As the bus approaches your stop, remain seated but start preparing to get off.

Give the driver plenty of time when you ring the bell before your stop to allow the bus to safely and smoothly pull into the stop. If someone else has already pressed the stop button, the "Next Stop" sign behind the bus driver's cabin will lit.

If you cannot reach the next stop button when you need to get off the bus, you can ask another passenger to press it for you.

If you are seated in the accessible seating area, there is an accessible next stop button that indicates to the driver to pull in close and lower the bus at the next stop.  It also alerts the driver to offer you assistance getting off the bus should you need it. You will need to press this button regardless of whether the stop button has already been activated.

When getting off the bus, use the doors that are most convenient. If you do require assistance, use the front doors.

Do not forget to tap off your Opal card or contactless payment before getting off the bus.

Watch your step and mind the gutter when getting off the bus. Use the handrail as support.

If the bus doors have closed before you have been able to get off at your stop and you need them reopened, call out to the driver.

• If you are person with a disability, you will be given priority boarding. The bus driver will assist with getting on and off the bus safely. Read the accessible bus travel information when planning your trip.
• If you have limited mobility or feel unsteady on your feet, sit near the front of the bus. Stay seated and avoid changing seats while the bus is moving. When getting off the bus, use the front doors.
• If travelling with a pram and young children, you can board with the child in the pram on accessible buses. You can also take your child out, fold up the pram and carry or assist your child onto the bus.
• There is an accessible next stop button in the mobility aid seating area that indicates to the driver to pull in close and lower the bus at the next stop.

Many buses have CCTV cameras on board.

Police and Transport Officers regularly patrol buses and interchanges.

Large bus interchanges are also fitted with security cameras and Emergency Help Points.

If you need immediate help, contact the police on 000 or talk to the bus driver.

If you see something, say something

By reporting security incidents, unattended items or suspicious behaviour, you can help us respond to any immediate problems and make it safer for everyone.

Call 000 or contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400

Many buses have CCTV cameras installed for the protection of customers and staff.

Some CCTV cameras are only used to monitor and do not record footage. If footage has been recorded, you can request access to this footage.

If you press an Emergency Help Point at any major interchange, you will be visible on live CCTV and can get assistance from a trained operator.

A security control centre operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with communication links to transport officers, police and emergency services.

If you are not feeling well or you see someone who looks like they need help, speak to bus driver or security staff where available and they will help to arrange medical assistance.

At large transport interchanges, use the Emergency Help Points.

Please do not board the bus if you're not feeling well at the stop. We will be able to get help to you much quicker at the bus stop.

In an emergency, call 000.