Melbourne's efficient public transport system of trams, trains and buses is called The Met , and a range of tickets is available. Unless you're going on a day-trip to the outer suburbs, you can get anywhere you need to, including St Kilda and Williamstown, on a zone 1 ticket. A ticket covering zones 1 and 2 will get you as far as Brighton Beach, Sandringham and Carrum on Port Phillip Bay, Springvale and Glen Waverley in the southeast, Alamein and Canterbury in the east, and to the end of all Met train lines in the north and west. Zone 3 includes the "far east" and "far south-east" - Frankston, Cranbourne, Ferntree Gully, Ringwood and Lilydale. An ordinary zone 1 ticket costs $2.60, a short hop $1.90; these tickets are valid for two hours, or all night if bought after 7pm. A day-ticket ($5 for zone 1; $8 for zones 1 and 2; $10.80 for zones 1, 2 and 3) is better value if you're making a few trips in zone 1, or if you are planning a trip to the outer suburbs. For longer stays, a weekly ticket ($21.70) is an even better bargain. The Metcard automated ticketing system, which operates on all services in the metropolitan area, means you need to validate your ticket by machine every time you board a new vehicle. Vending machines on board trams supply tickets for short trips and two hours; these and day-tickets are also available from vending machines at train stations, buses (a limited selection only), the City Met Shop at 103 Elizabeth St and other selected shops (most newsagents, some milk bars and pharmacies). The supposedly smooth-running system has its hiccups, such as out-of-order coin machines, fare dodgers, and ticket inspectors riding trams and blocking station exits in an attempt to catch them. Melbourne's beloved tram conductors, who were officially phased out in 1998, reappeared in 2001, with one hundred "connies" selling tickets (more expensive than those bought at newsagents and the like), providing travel information and checking for fare evasion.

Services operate Monday to Saturday from 5am until midnight, and Sunday from 8am until 11pm, supplemented in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday by NightRider buses (every 60min 12.30-4.30am; $5), which head from the City Square (in front of the new Westin Hotel ) on Swanston Street to the outer suburbs, more or less in the same direction as the suburban train routes. Each bus has an onboard mobile phone, on which the driver can book a taxi to meet you at a bus stop (free call), or you can call a friend ($1) to meet you. For further information, call the Met Transport Information Centre (daily 6am-midnight; tel 13 1638; for a range of public transport information including timetables and disability services, visit www.victrip.com.au ).