Try Before You Ride - Ballarat Station Upgrade Session

V/Line in partnership with City of Ballarat is offering Try Before You Ride! A program to help you feel more confident using public transport throughout the Ballarat Station Upgrades!

Come along and try out coaches and taxis in a safe and comfortable environment, learn how to ride your local service, explore ticketing and understand what occurs during a disruption on the V/Line network.

• Come along and try out coaches and taxis in a safe and comfortable environment. 

• Learn how to ride your local service and explore ticketing.

• Understand what occurs during a disruption on the V/Line network.

• Learn about navigating public transport with your mobility devices and aids

This is event is for people living with disability, chronic health conditions or accessibility needs!

Find out more at: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/more/travelling-on-the-network/accessibility/try-before-you-ride/

Event Details:

When: Thursday 14th August 2025

Where: Ballarat Railway Station

Time: 10:30am - 11:30am (Coffee catch up with the Ballarat Station Upgrades Project Team for an hour afterwards)

Cost: Free

Bookings: Essential

Parking:

Please plan ahead if you are parking close to Ballarat Railway Station.

Information on parking during the Station works can be found here: https://www.vline.com.au/Service-Changes/Community-Notifications/2025/Ballarat-Station-upgrade-works or you can call 1800 800 007

What to bring:

• Appropriate weather wear: hat, coat, sunscreen

• Comfortable footwear

• A water bottle and snacks if required

• Mobility aids

Accessibility of Ballarat Train Station - Lydiard Street North, Ballarat   

• The train station has easy access from the bus exchange (vline services) and from the drop off points.   

• The bus exchange (vline services) has full TGSIs (tactile ground surface indicators) leading to the main platform and into the ticket office.   

• The ticket and information windows are equipped with hearing loops and communication cards.   

• The accessible toilet has been recently upgraded to new standards.   

• The existing toilet height, handrails and basin are compliant.   

• The access to the second platform is via the pedestrian crossing over the rail tracks in Lydiard St or using dedicated crossings over the tracks.  

• For people travelling by train, Traveller’s Aid can provide assistance weekdays from 7:30am – 3:30pm.   

• Traveller’s Aid connection assistance information - https://www.travellersaid.org.au/our-services/connection-assistance/   

Information about Accessible Travel with PTV:

Access Travel Pass: 

You can travel with an Access Travel Pass if you have a permanent physical disability, cognitive condition or mental illness that prevents you from using myki, for more information visit: Access Travel Pass - Public Transport Victoria. 

Companion Card 

With a Companion Card, your carer or companion can travel free on trains, trams and buses when they travel with you, for more information visit: Companion Card - Public Transport Victoria 

Scooter or Wheelchair  

You can travel with a Scooter and Wheelchair Travel Pass if you use a scooter or wheelchair when travelling: Scooter and Wheelchair Travel Pass - Public Transport Victoria. 

Multipurpose Taxi Program: 

The Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) assists with the travel needs of people with accessibility and mobility needs by offering subsidised CPV fares to members: MPTP Members | Safe Transport Victoria 

For more information: V/Line accessibility - vline.com.au/Fares-general-info/Accessibility