COVID-19 restrictions have eased in Victoria – what is allowed?

Restrictions have eased in metropolitan Melbourne in line with Victoria’s roadmap to reopening. You are now allowed to leave your home for any reason, however the 25km travel limit remains until 11.59pm November 8, 2020.

Public Transport timetable

Most public transport services are now running to the normal timetable. With people required to keep working from home where they can, there will continue to be less people using public transport.

Night Network services which normally operate on Friday and Saturday nights between 1am and 5am currently remain suspended. It is recommended that you check the disruptions information on the PTV website before you travel.

Image shows people walking across tram tracks while wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a tram in the background.

Melbourne’s 25km limit

Travel to regional Victoria is still only allowed for permitted purposes (even if this is within 25 kms of your home.) This means you cannot travel into regional Victoria for exercise or recreation (until 11:59pm, November 8.)

If you live in metropolitan Melbourne, the only reasons to travel into regional Victoria are:

  • For permitted work
  • For medical care and caregiving
  • To shop for food and essential supplies if it is your nearest location.

Regional Victoria

Regional Victorians are not permitted to travel to metropolitan Melbourne except for work, medical care and caregiving or to buy goods and services if this is the closest location to your house.

Face Masks

Except for a limited number of exemptions, it is compulsory for all Victorians to wear a face mask (a fitted face mask, not a covering) when they leave home, including on public transport. You need to wear the face mask for your entire journey.

Physical distancing

When travelling on public transport please keep your distance from other passengers where you can and respect the clearance zone around drivers. Some tips for physical distancing include:

  • Avoid busy services by travelling outside peak times (7am to 9am and 4.30pm to 6.30pm) and travel only as far as you need to and for a permitted purpose
  • At stops and on platforms, keep your distance from other passengers
  • If it’s raining, take an umbrella so you don’t gather under shelters
  • Wait for passengers to get off before you board
  • Keep doorways clear so people can get on and off safely
  • If your carriage is busy, try a different door or wait for the next service
  • If you need to use the lift, consider waiting for an empty one to maintain a safe distance from other people
  • When using escalators, try to stand four steps away from the person in front and avoid walking up or down

Cashless ways to top up

Public transport staff are no longer handling cash, but there are still plenty of ways to top up your myki or purchase a ticket:

  • Top up at myki machines, located at all stations
  • Use quick top up machines at stations
  • Shop at an authorised retailer including all 7-Eleven stores
  • Use a credit or debit card with public transport staff
  • Top up online

Regional customers on trains or buses can purchase tickets using a credit or debit card with staff at any station or by visiting the V/Line website.

Cash can still be used at myki card vending machines located across the public transport network.

How to contact us

If you have a complaint about public transport, we want to hear from you. Call us on 1800 466 865 or you can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your phone number and a time that is best to contact you between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. (If we are unable to call you at this time, we will suggest another time.)

We can also be contacted via our online complaint form or you can send us a message via Facebook.

We can also be contacted via The National Relay Service and Translating and Interpreting Service.

For news and updates from the PTO follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

More information on Coronavirus

For more information on Coronavirus and where to get tested, visit the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website.

Vulnerable Victorians can get tested at home in metropolitan Melbourne to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information, visit the DHHS Call-to-Test page.

To read COVID-19 translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, visit the DHHS translated resources page. 

Visit the Victorian Government's website for the latest information on restrictions and advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19).