Travel offences, penalties and etiquette

When on public transport, offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you, such as:

• Older people
• People with disabilities or impaired mobility
• People who are pregnant
• People travelling with children.

Other ways you can be considerate of others:

Make room:

• Allow people to board and exit without obstruction.
• Don’t block doors or aisles with prams, bags, bikes, or boards.

Mind your backpack:

• Carry your backpack by its handle. When standing, place it on the floor between your feet to avoid inconveniencing others.

Share the space:

• Only take up one seat especially when others are standing.
• Keep your feet off the seats.

Keep noise down:

• Use headphones and keep the volume down
• Speak quietly when on the phone.

Use the bins provided:

• Put your rubbish in the bin.
• Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.

Threatening, offensive or unsafe behaviour is not tolerated and fines may apply.

• Vandalising public transport services or stations, stops, or wharves is illegal. Fines apply.

Reporting graffiti

• If you see someone vandalising, notify staff immediately or call the police on 000. You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
• To report existing graffiti, visit our feedback pages, choose the relevant transport mode, and select 'Graffiti' in the 'relating to' field.
• For Sydney Metro, call 131 500 or speak to a Customer Journey Coordinator.
• For Sydney Light Rail, use the Help Points onboard or at stops to speak to a staff member.

Quiet carriages are available on some Intercity train services, providing a quiet space for long-distance travel. These services include:

• Blue Mountains Line
• Southern Highlands Line
• South Coast Line
• Central Coast & Newcastle Line
• Hunter Line

Quiet carriages are usually the:

• first, last and two middle carriages of an 8-carriage train
• first and last carriages of a 4-carriage train
• last carriage of a 2-carriage train.

Look for signs on the train or platform and listen to announcements for where to find these carriages.

If you're travelling in a quiet carriage, please:

• Silence your phone: Put your mobile phone on silent.
• Move for conversations: Move to another carriage if you need to talk or take a call.
• Keep it quiet: Use headphones and keep the volume low so it can’t be heard by others.

On some public transport, food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. If you are caught eating or drinking where not permitted, fines may apply.

Remember to take your rubbish with you or use provided bins. 

Drinking alcohol or possessing an open container is not permitted on most public transport. Fines apply.

Exceptions are made for NSW TrainLink Regional Trains where alcohol can be purchased on board.

Alcohol service on NSW TrainLink Regional Trains

Alcohol can be purchased from the buffet car between midday and 11pm by passengers over 18 years of age. Once purchased, you will be asked to drink in your own seat. Do not drink while standing in the aisle, vestibule or the buffet car.

Responsible service of alcohol applies and NSW TrainLink have the right to refuse to serve alcohol. If required, police can be called to remove intoxicated passengers from the train or from stations.

Note: You cannot consume alcohol purchased outside the train. Fines apply.

Smoking and vaping are prohibited on or around public transport in NSW including at metro and train stations, ferry wharves, light rail stops or bus stops. It is an offence and fines apply.

Smoke detectors on NSW TrainLink Regional Trains

Passengers found smoking on board will be fined and asked to leave the train or coach. Smoke detectors are fitted throughout NSW TrainLink Regional Trains, including in toilets and vestibules. The smoking of any substance is not allowed on trains or platforms or in booking offices and other enclosed areas.

Important: Do not leave the train for a cigarette break during your journey; the train may depart without you. NSW TrainLink is not liable for any consequences if this occurs.