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Am I Covered By TAC If I Was Injured On Public Transport In Victoria?
Every weekday, hundreds of thousands of people move around Melbourne by train, tram, and bus.
Most of the time the system works smoothly—but when something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious.
Slips, sudden braking, collisions with cars, derailments, door incidents, or falls while boarding are all realities of a busy public transport network.
If you were injured on public transport in Victoria, you might be wondering whether the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) applies to you.
The short answer is: in many cases, yes—but not always. This guide explains how the TAC scheme works for public transport passengers,
what you can claim, the time limits that apply, and when you may have options for further compensation.
Quick answer: are public transport passengers covered?
Many injuries on public transport in Victoria fall under the TAC scheme, but it depends on the circumstances.
TAC typically covers injuries that arise from the driving of a motor vehicle, and in Victoria that can include trams and, in some cases, trains.
If your injury was caused by how a tram, bus, or train was driven—such as sudden braking, a collision, or being thrown due to movement—TAC may apply.
However, not every fall or station incident automatically triggers TAC coverage. The details matter.
TAC basics and how public transport fits in
The Transport Accident Commission is Victoria’s statutory insurer for transport accidents.
It provides benefits to people injured in transport-related incidents so they can access treatment, rehabilitation, and financial support.
No-fault benefits
TAC benefits are often described as “no-fault.” This means that, for basic benefits, you don’t usually need to prove someone else was negligent.
You just need to show that you were injured and that your injury was directly caused by the driving of a motor vehicle or other covered transport.
Why public transport is different
Unlike private car accidents, public transport injuries often involve multiple layers:
the transport operator, contractors, station infrastructure, and sometimes third-party drivers.
Determining whether TAC applies can hinge on whether the injury was caused by “the driving” of the vehicle rather than by static infrastructure alone.
Trams, trains and buses: when TAC applies
Trams
Melbourne has one of the world’s largest tram networks, and TAC commonly applies to tram-related injuries when:
- The tram collides with another vehicle or pedestrian
- You are thrown due to sudden braking or acceleration
- You fall inside the tram because of the way it was driven
- A tram door closes unexpectedly due to movement or operation
Buses
Bus passengers may be covered where injuries result from the driving of the bus—sudden stops, swerves, collisions, or being thrown while standing.
Bus accidents in suburban Melbourne, particularly on arterial roads or during peak-hour congestion, often fall clearly within TAC.
Trains
Train injuries can be more complex. If your injury arises from the movement or operation of the train—such as being thrown during emergency braking or a collision—TAC may apply.
However, injuries that are purely related to station infrastructure, escalators, or platforms may fall outside TAC and into other legal frameworks.
Boarding, alighting and station/platform injuries
One of the most confusing areas for passengers is: “What if I was injured while getting on or off?”
Likely TAC scenarios
- Falling because the vehicle moved while you were boarding or alighting
- Being injured when doors closed due to the operation of the tram or train
- Being thrown as the vehicle accelerated before you were seated
Grey-area scenarios
- Slipping on a wet platform unrelated to vehicle movement
- Trip hazards on station stairs or concourses
- Injuries caused solely by station infrastructure
These grey areas are why early advice can be critical—because a claim may exist, but it may not be a TAC claim.
Do you need a collision for TAC to apply?
No. Many public transport claims involve no collision at all.
For example, a passenger who is thrown forward when a tram brakes suddenly to avoid a car may be covered by TAC even though the tram never hit anything.
The key question is whether the injury was caused by the driving or operation of the vehicle.
That’s why documenting the mechanism—what the vehicle did and how that led to your injury—is so important.
What you can claim after a public transport injury
If your injury is accepted under TAC, the benefits can include:
Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- GP visits, specialist appointments, imaging
- Physiotherapy, chiropractic, psychology
- Hospital treatment and surgery where required
Income support
If you can’t work or need to reduce your hours, TAC may provide income support.
This is particularly relevant for Melbourne workers in physically demanding roles or casual/gig work.
Support services
Assistance at home, transport to appointments, and in serious cases, personal care or equipment may be available if clinically justified.
What TAC usually does not cover
TAC generally focuses on injury-related benefits, not property damage. That means:
- Damaged phones, laptops, bags or clothing are usually not covered
- Lost Myki cards or fare refunds are not TAC matters
Time limits and why they matter
You generally have 12 months to lodge a TAC claim from the date of the accident or from when your injury first becomes evident.
Many public transport passengers don’t think of TAC until months later, which can create deadline stress.
If symptoms develop gradually—like neck pain, headaches, or anxiety when travelling—don’t assume it’s “too late.”
But don’t delay either.
How to lodge a TAC claim after a public transport injury
- Seek medical treatment and explain exactly how the incident occurred.
- Record the route, time, vehicle number (tram/bus/train), and any witnesses.
- Request incident reports from the transport operator if available.
- Lodge your TAC claim within the 12-month timeframe.
- Respond promptly to requests for further information.
Evidence tips for tram, train and bus accidents
Evidence is everything in public transport claims:
- Take photos of the scene if safe to do so.
- Note the tram/bus number or carriage ID.
- Ask witnesses for contact details.
- Keep all medical records and receipts.
Can public transport passengers pursue common law compensation?
In more serious cases, you may be able to pursue common law damages if you meet the serious injury threshold and can establish negligence.
This is separate from TAC benefits and is more complex, so professional advice is usually recommended.
Special scenarios and grey areas
Some injuries—such as slips on station stairs or being injured by fixed infrastructure—may fall outside TAC.
These cases can still involve compensation pathways, but they may not be TAC-based.
FAQ’s
Can I claim TAC if I fall on a tram?
If the fall was caused by the driving or movement of the tram, TAC may apply.
What if I slipped on a wet platform?
That may not be a TAC matter and could involve other legal avenues.
How long do I have to make a TAC claim?
Generally 12 months from the accident or when the injury became evident.
Final Thoughts
Being injured on public transport can be confronting and confusing.
The TAC scheme often provides important support—but only when the injury is connected to the driving or operation of the vehicle.
If your injuries are affecting your work or daily life, it’s worth understanding your rights early.
Melbourne recommendation: Hymans Legal
For guidance on TAC claims after tram, train or bus accidents in Victoria, consider speaking with Hymans Legal.
Phone: 1300 667 116
Website: https://hymanslegal.com.au/