In Australia, each state and territory has its own public transport system, which means that services, fares and student concessions differ considerably across the country. Following is a guide to public transport in Australia for different each states and territories:
Australian Capital Territory
On Canberra’s bus network, the MyWay ticketing system is used for travel and international students may apply for a tertiary student MyWay smartcard, which entitles them to a discounted rate per trip.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, an electronic Opal card can be used on ferry, train, light rail and bus services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Illawarra and Southern Highlands. In New South Wales, travel concessions may not be given to International students but they may be able to receive a discount on yearly and quarterly passes.
Northern Territory
Discounted bus travel is offered to all students in the Northern Territory, where students pay AUD $1.00 for a trip (up to three hours of travel), $2.00 for a daily ticket or $7.00 for a weekly ticket, while secondary school students are able to travel for free.
Queensland
International students studying full-time in Queensland, can apply for a Tertiary Transport Concession Card that entitles them to a 50% rebate on public transport fares and students can travel using paper tickets or a rechargeable electronic go card on bus, train, tram and ferry services. Fares are calculated based on which zones you travel in, and whether you are travelling in a peak or off-peak period.
South Australia
International students studying full time in South Australia are also entitled to a concession fare for travel on tram, train and bus services. Singlular, everyday tickets are available, as well as the rechargeable electronic Metrocard.
Tasmania
Local bus services are available in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, which use the electronic Greencard system, as well as single and daily tickets. Students 18 years of age or below may be entitled to free travel to and from their place of study during the Free Travel period (7 am to 7 pm on weekdays). Full-time students over the age of 18 are entitled to a concession fare.
Victoria
Victoria is connected by tram, train and bus networks, and customers travel using an electronic ‘myki’ smartcard. At present, international students are not eligible for concession fares in Victoria but may be entitled to a 50% consession on an annual pass and to be eligible, students must be enrolled at a participating institution and be studying a full-time undergraduate course or higher-level VET course. Tram travel within the Melbourne CBD is free.
Western Australia
Trains, buses and ferries are available in Perth and Fremantle. International students studying full time in Western Australia are eligible for a Tertiary SmartRider card, which entitles them to a discounted fare. Buses that operate within central Perth, Fremantle and Joondalup (CAT buses) are free. There are also a few free travel zones for bus and train travel in Perth.