Rebuild your Confidence with Kathy’s Public Transport Tips
For many people, catching the train into Melbourne once felt routine. But after retirement, a few years at home, or big changes to the transport network, stepping back onto public transport can feel surprisingly challenging.
Kathy understands that feeling.
These days she regularly travels into the city for lunch with friends, appointments or the occasional class at the City Library.
Parking in the CBD had become expensive and inconvenient. Eventually, Kathy decided the answer wasn’t avoiding the city — it was rebuilding her confidence.
“For a while I avoided coming into the city by train altogether.”
“I realised I needed to take responsibility for the quality of my life and become more empowered.”
Gradually, her confidence returned, and the city started to feel familiar again.
“The CBD has changed a lot,” Kathy says. “It’s thriving again after COVID. The laneways, the arcades, the street art — there’s always something interesting to see.”
Making the most of weekend outings
“Some people avoid the city on weekends,” she says. “But there’s plenty to enjoy if you choose the right activities.”
With free public transport for Seniors Card holders on weekends, it also makes spontaneous outings easier.
“On some Saturday afternoons, the Capitol Theatre Orchestra plays live music before a film screening,” she says. “Tickets are around $20, and it’s fantastic value.”
Markets are another favourite. “I’m a long-time fan of the Abbotsford Convent monthly market,” Kathy says.
“And there are plenty of great markets across Melbourne on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Don’t forget regional Victoria
Once Kathy rebuilt her confidence in travelling by train, it opened up a much bigger world.
“Public transport isn’t just about the city,” she says. “Regional Victoria has so many wonderful places to explore. Many that are free, and lots of fun.”
For larger events, Kathy has a clever strategy.
“If a festival weekend feels too busy, visit the week afterwards,” she suggests. “A visit to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is still beautiful after the Ballarat Begonia Festival, but much quieter.”
For anyone still unsure about heading out again, Kathy’s advice is simple: “Just get out and try it,” she says, “Your confidence grows every time you travel.”
Kathy’s public transport tips
For anyone feeling unsure about travelling into town again, Kathy shares a few practical tips that helped her rebuild her confidence.
1. Keep your confidence up by staying active
For Kathy, staying active plays a big role in feeling comfortable travelling around the city.
“I was often thinking about getting on and off transport, so improving my stability became important,” she says.
She began building her strength and balance through gym classes and daily walking.
At the same time, she started relearning the train network and planning small trips into Melbourne.
“Even simple things like walking more, going to the gym or keeping physically active can make it easier when you’re getting on and off trains or trams.”
2. “I always plan before leaving home,” Kathy says.
Kathy receives email updates from Transport Victoria about service changes. For medical appointments, she deliberately catches an earlier train to avoid stress if services change.
“I’d rather arrive early and relaxed than feel rushed.”
Her advice for anyone who hasn’t caught a train in years?
“Be organised — but also be prepared to go with the flow,” she says. “It’s easier than you think.”
3. Prepare the small things
Some of Kathy’s advice is beautifully simple.
“I always make sure I have the correct spectacles,” she laughs. Station departure boards are often high above eye level, and forgetting her glasses once left her and another commuter squinting up at the signs together.
That moment turned into an unexpected friendship. She also recommends wearing sensible shoes.
“They can still be stylish,” she says, “but they make getting on and off trains and escalators much easier and safer.”
4. Ask for help
Kathy says she’s been pleasantly surprised by how helpful people are.
“Don’t feel embarrassed asking for help,” she says.
Station staff and even other commuters have assisted her in navigating larger stations and steep escalators.
“Recently, two young police officers helped me when I felt unsure on an escalator. They were incredibly kind.”
5. Make your first trip a fun one
“Start with an outing that doesn’t matter if things go wrong,” Kathy suggests.
“Go somewhere just for fun, like a garden or gallery.”
Travelling with a friend can also make the first few trips easier.
“You can work out any little challenges together.”
This piece was produced in collaboration with Transport Victoria and was first published in the printed Seniors Explore Club Guide.
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