Night security services on public transport

There are a variety of security and safety measures in place to make sure you are safe each time you travel on public transport at night.

Public transport security at night

Safety officers and guards

Many officers and guards work on public transport night services. These include:

  • Queensland Police Service Railway Squad members—who patrol train stations and train carriages
  • Translink senior network officers—who patrol trains, buses and ferries
  • busway safety officers—who patrol busway stations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • guards—who patrol train stations and train carriages
  • ferry staff—who ride on all CityCat and ferry trips.

All of these people are there to help you whenever you need.

Security cameras

Security cameras are located:

  • at all busway stations
  • at all train stations
  • on all CityCats
  • at some secure taxi ranks.

Public transport safety at night

Help phones

Help phones are located:

  • on all busway platforms
  • inside all trains
  • at all train stations (in the core safety zone—an area marked with blue and white striped lines that is lit up with bright lights).

If you are at all worried about your safety—use a help phone.

Safety tips for travelling on public transport at night

When you need to travel at night:

  • plan your journey in advance to avoid waiting a long time at a bus stop, busway or train station, or ferry terminal
  • tell someone how you are travelling (for example, your bus number) and what time you expect to get there
  • wait in a well lit area near other people
  • when you get off a bus, train or ferry, take note of anyone who gets off at the same time
  • work out the safest path from the stop to your destination before travelling
  • sit where you feel most comfortable and safe (for example, near the bus driver or train guard, or in the back left seat of a taxi)
  • book taxis by phone or SMS (rather than hailing them)—so that the taxi company has a record of your trip—or catch a taxi from a secure rank
  • take note of the taxi company name and fleet number (displayed on the inside front windscreen) when you get inside a taxi
  • don’t get into a taxi if the driver makes you feel uncomfortable (you can choose to take a different taxi).

Public transport late night travel options

There are a number of late night (and early morning) public transport services available to get you home safely.

Translink services

It’s a good idea to always know the time of your last bus, ferry or train service.

Find your Translink bus, ferry or train timetable or view late night services.

NightLink buses and trains, and FlatFare taxis

NightLink is a cheap and safe way to travel in the early hours of the morning. NightLink services operate between midnight and around 5am on Saturday and Sunday mornings—to help you get home after a Friday or Saturday night out. Services include:

  • buses
  • trains
  • FlatFare taxis.

There is security at selected NightLink stops.

NightLink buses

NightLink buses run on popular routes in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It will cost you a regular off-peak fare to catch a NightLink bus.

When you catch a NightLink bus, the bus driver can drop you off anywhere along the route—as long as it’s safe to stop. This helps you to get off closer to your destination—and avoids you walking a long way late at night.

Find out more about NightLink bus services.

NightLink trains

NightLink trains run on the Beenleigh, Ipswich and Caboolture lines. It will cost you a regular off-peak fare to catch a NightLink train.

Find out more about NightLink train services.

NightLink FlatFare taxis

NightLink FlatFare taxis let you pay a set cost to share your ride home from Brisbane City or Fortitude Valley with other passengers who live in the same area as you.

You cannot book a NightLink FlatFare taxi. You must go to a FlatFare rank and see the rank marshal—who will organise a group trip to your destination.

There are 3 FlatFare taxi ranks:

  • George Street (at the top of Treasury secure rank)
  • Eagle Street (at the top of Eagle St secure rank, near Friday’s Nightclub)
  • Warner Street in Fortitude Valley (approaching Wickham Street).

Find out more about NightLink FlatFare taxis.

Secure taxi ranks

Secure taxi ranks are ranks where you can catch normal taxi services. However, they are a safer option as they:

  • are staffed by taxi rank marshals
  • have security guards
  • sometimes have security cameras.

The taxi marshals manage the flow of passengers and occasionally organise share rides.

At a secure taxi rank, you will be able to:

  • queue safely—free from inappropriate behaviour
  • catch a taxi quickly—in an organised way
  • talk to the taxi rank marshals about routes and fares.

More information

Find out more information on late night public transport options.

Last updated:
5 September 2013