Ticket Inspectors

About Ticket Inpectors

They look like:

• They have a badge
• They usually wear a uniform
• They can be in plain-clothes

Where are they?

• Trains, trams and buses
• Train stations, tram stops and bus stops
• They can follow you as you leave a train, tram or bus

They carry

• A badge

Identity

When can ticket inspectors ask to see my ticket?

A ticket inspector can ask to see your ticket or scan your myki card if you are on a bus, train or tram or if you are waiting on a train platform. They can also follow you after you get out of a bus, train or tram and ask to see your ticket.

When can ticket inspectors ask to see my concession card or Health Care Card?

If you are age 17 or over and you are travelling on a concession myki card or concession ticket, a ticket inspector can ask to see a concession card or Centrelink Health Care Card. They can fine you if you don’t have either of those cards with you, even if you just forgot to bring it with you or you lost it.

If you are a student age 17 or over, an ID card from your school, TAFE or uni is not enough proof of concession. You must have a proper Victorian Public Transport Student Concession Card. If you are using a Health Care Card as proof of concession, it must have a Victorian address and you must have the card issued in your own name (ie your name is not on the card as a dependent).

For more information, check out the Public Transport Victoria pages on travelling on concession fares and how to apply for a Victorian Public Transport Student Concession Card.

When can ticket inspectors ask for my details?

A ticket inspector can ask you for your name and address if they think you have broken public transport laws. They can also ask you for your name and address if they think you’re carrying something used to mark graffiti, like a spray can or a permanent marker, on public transport property.

Do I need to give them my name and address?

You must give a ticket inspector your name and address if they have a lawful reason to ask you. If you refuse, you can be charged in court. Even if you’re not sure a ticket inspector has a good reason to ask you for your details, you should still cooperate at the time and then make a complaint about it later.

What if I give them false details, or I refuse?

If you refuse to give a ticket inspector your name and address or you give them false details, you could be fined or charged in court.

Do I have to show them ID?

Yes. A ticket inspector can ask to see your ID to prove you have given them the right name and address. You must show them ID unless you have a good reason, like you don’t have any ID on you.

What if I don’t have ID on me or I’m homeless?

If you don’t have ID or a fixed address you can:

• Give them the details of a friend, relative or youth worker they can call to confirm your identity
• Show them Centrelink or bank cards with your name on them
• Show them a letter with your name and address on it

Searching

Can ticket inspectors search me or my stuff?

Ticket inspectors are not allowed to search you, your bags or anything else you are carrying. They can take certain items away if it’s illegal to carry them on public transport (like open cans of alcohol) but only if they see you holding that item or it’s out in the open.

Taking my stuff

What items are illegal to carry on public transport?

It can be illegal to carry certain things on public transport property, like open containers of alcohol or spray cans and permanent markers. Even though ticket inspectors can’t search you for these items, they may be able to fine you or get you charged in court if they see you carrying them.

Can ticket inspectors confiscate things?

Ticket inspectors can take away your ticket or myki card if it’s invalid. They don’t have the power to confiscate other things but they can ask you to leave or remove you or your property if you refuse to get rid of those items.

Arresting

When can they arrest me?

A ticket inspector can arrest you if they think you have broken the law and they need to hold you to confirm your identity or to prevent you from breaking the law again. That means ticket inspectors can arrest you if you don’t have any ID with you and they don’t believe you’ve given them your correct details.

If ticket inspectors arrest you because they can’t confirm your identity any other way, they usually call police over and hold you until police get there. If that happens to you, try giving them the phone number of a friend, family member or youth worker to call or show them any letters or cards you have on you that show your name and address.

Can they use force to arrest me?

Ticket inspectors can use force to arrest you, but it must be reasonable force. That means they can only use as much force as is necessary to arrest you. If you resist or fight back, then they are allowed to use more force against you.

Fining

What can ticket inspectors fine me for?

Ticket inspectors can give you a fine for breaking public transport laws or regulations. Most common types of public transport fines are for travelling without a valid ticket or putting your feet on the seat.

What is an on-the-spot penalty fare?

If you are 18 or over and you are caught in the metropolitan area travelling without a valid ticket or failing to show evidence of concession, ticket inspectors may give you the option to pay a reduced penalty of $75 if you pay on-the-spot. You do not have to pay on-the-spot if you can’t afford it or if you believe you should not have been fined. If you do not take the option to pay on-the-spot, the Department of Transport will send you an infringement notice to pay the usual penalty in the usual way. More information about on-the-spot fines is available here on the Public Transport Victoria website.

What can I do if I get a fine and I can’t afford to pay or I don’t think I should pay?

If you get a fine and you don’t think it’s fair or you can’t afford to pay it, you should get information about your options. If you were under 18 or you have an intellectual disability, you should get legal advice. You should also get legal advice if you were experiencing homelessness, mental illness or an addiction to drugs or alcohol at the time.

Can ticket inspectors charge me in court?

A ticket inspector can get the Department of Transport to charge you in court for breaking public transport laws. They tend to do this for more serious public transport offences like stating a false name and address to a ticket inspector or behaving in an offensive manner.

Kicking me off public transport

When can ticket inspectors kick me out?

A ticket inspector can remove you from a bus, tram or train or from a station if you don’t have a valid ticket or if you’ve broken other public transport laws. They can also remove you if they think you are damaging property or you are dangerous to others. They can even remove you just for bothering other people or getting in other people’s way.

What if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint about a ticket inspector, you can make a complaint to the company they work for, such as Yarra Trams or Metro Trains. If you are not happy with the response, you can complain to the Public Transport Ombudsman.

If your complaint is more serious, such as a complaint about assault or discrimination, you should get legal advice.