FAQs - Belongings on public transport

Following are common Taking belongings on public transport questions.

Can I take my pet on public transport?

RailCorp trains

Information on taking animals on trains can be found on the CityRail website.

STA buses / Private buses

Customers with a disability are welcome on board a bus with an assistance animal or an assistance animal in training (for example, a seeing-eye dog; a dog for the hearing impaired; a disability service animal) at all times. There are no restrictions for these animals.

Customers may board a bus with a dog, cat, bird or other animal which is not a disability service animal provided it is suitably confined in a box, basket or other container as required by the NSW Passenger Transport Act and regulations. Customers with an animal are not allowed to be on board a bus if the safety of other customers or the bus is at risk, or the animal is unclean or not confined.

Sydney Ferries

Customers are welcome aboard Sydney Ferries' services with their Assistance Animal or their pet. Customers may board a ferry with a dog, cat, bird or other animal which is not a disability service animal provided it is suitably confined in a box, basket or other container as required by the NSW Passenger Transport Act and regulations. Customers with an animal are not allowed to be on board a ferry if the safety of other customers or the ferry is at risk, or the animal is unclean or not confined. Animals should remain outside where possible.

Can I take my surfboard on public transport?

RailCorp trains

CountryLink train services have only three spaces available for carrying bicycles, surfboards or snowboards. CountryLink Coaches have one space reserved for this type of item. Please reserve a place when purchasing your ticket and limit the weight to 20kg. Surfboards or snowboards less than 2m long can be checked in as luggage as long as they are packed in secure, protective coverings. On CityRail services, customers with valid tickets may travel with surfboards provided space is available on the service. Surfboards are not to be placed in a position that prevents other fare paying customers from occupying a seat. It is recommended that customers wishing to travel with surfboards avoid peak hour services.

STA buses / Private buses

Customers may carry a surfboard on a bus provided it does not cause inconvenience or a danger to other customers. The bus driver will refuse the carrying of a surfboard if there is insufficient room on the bus and the surfboard cannot be stowed clear of the isle and the doorways of the bus.

Sydney Ferries

Sydney Ferries customers with valid tickets may travel with large items such as surfboards, provided space is available on the service, and other customers’ safety is not affected. Surfboards are not to be placed in a position that prevents other customers from occupying a seat. If you wish to travel with a surfboard, it is recommended that you avoid peak hour services.

Can I take my bike on public transport?

RailCorp trains

Bicycles are permitted on trains free of charge on the weekend and in off-peak periods. However, if part or all of your journey is made between 6am - 9am or between 3.30pm to 7.30pm on weekdays you must purchase a child ticket for the bicycle as well as a ticket for yourself.

STA buses / Private buses

Customers are not allowed to carry a bicycle on a bus because it cannot be accommodated on a bus without inconvenience or danger to other customers.

Sydney Ferries

Bicycles are permitted on ferries free of charge at all times.

Newcastle to Stockton / Stockton to Newcastle ferry services are also free of charge.

Carriage of bicycles is as the discretion of the crew due to safety requirements and may be limited due to capacity constraints.

The Manly service vessels have areas where bicycles can be secured during the journey. Please ask the crew where they are located. For all other vessels, please ask the crew to guide you to the most appropriate area to stow your bicycle during the trip.

Private ferries

Bicycles are permitted on these services at no extra charge:

Bicycles are permitted on the following services, although additional fees may apply. Please check the operator has space prior to travelling:

For your convenience, secure bicycle lockers are available at some wharves.

Can I eat or drink on public transport?

Trains

Consumption of food and drink, excluding alcohol, is permitted on CityRail services providing all rubbish is taken with you or disposed of in bins provided (bin on intercity services only). CountryLink customers over 18 may purchase and consume alcohol onboard but, under the Liquor Licensing Act, cannot consume alcohol purchased elsewhere. Please consider your fellow customers and abide by this health and safety requirement.

Buses

No food or drink may be consumed while travelling on buses, except under special circumstances (such as medical condition). Fines of up to $100 apply for comitting this offence.

Ferries

Consumption of food and drinks is permitted on Sydney Ferries; however please follow any direction given to you by crew members in relation to the consumption of food and drink. Hot drinks should always have a secure lid at all times. Please take your rubbish with you when you disembark or dispose of in rubbish bins provided on board.

The Manly Ferry has a café on board, the other vessels do not have any café facilities.

Consumption of alcohol or being in possession of an open container of alcohol is not permitted. Smoking is not permitted at stations or on trains, wharves or on ferries, bus stops or on buses, light rail stops or on light rail. Fines apply for smoking in these areas.