Accessible buses

More than 80 per cent of Melbourne’s bus services are wheelchair-accessible on weekdays. All bus services are wheelchair-accessible on the weekend and public holidays, except bus routes 453, 455, 457, 458 and 459, which operate in the Melton area and bus routes 431, 432 and 404, which operate in the Footscray / Yarraville area.

Some bus routes are fully wheelchair-accessible and others are partly wheelchair-accessible. At the stop, the bus driver places a ramp between the front door of the bus to the kerb of the road. 

For information about mobility aid specifications (including wheelchairs, scooters or motorised vehicles), see mobility aids.

SmartBus vehicles are able to 'meet' the bus stop at the same level and eliminate a 'step' to board the bus. SmartBus stops have tactile ground surfaces in bright colours that are used to to help people with vision impairments.

Check your printed timetable - accessible services are shown with an access symbol on the front of the timetable booklet or next to the relevant service. They can be indicated by the letter ‘W’ (wheelchair) or ‘LF’ (low-floor).

On website timetables, accessible services are indicted by the access symbol above the time of the service.

Bus companies will try to schedule a low-floor bus for you, provided adequate notice is given. It is best to contact the company the day before you travel. See useful contacts.

Demand responsive wheelchair-accessible buses

A demand responsive wheelchair-accessible bus is available for travel between St Kilda, Port Melbourne and Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations. It can transport up to three passengers in wheelchairs and four other passengers. The bus operates Monday to Friday between 7am and 10pm (excluding public holidays). You must pre-book 24 hours prior to travelling. For bookings call 1800 012 061.

For further information on accessible transport services, call PTV on 1800 800 007.