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