Authorised Officers in Victoria, also known as public transport inspectors, are tasked with enforcing ticketing rules and behaviour standards to ensure a safe and fair public transport system. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of their powers, your rights as a passenger, and the steps to address conflicts or disputes effectively.

Role and Powers of Authorised Officers

Authorised Officers ensure compliance with public transport regulations and are empowered to address offences. These powers are essential for maintaining a safe, efficient, and orderly public transport system by deterring fare evasion, addressing anti-social behaviour, and ensuring fair use of services. Their responsibilities include:

• Checking that passengers hold valid tickets.
• Ensuring compliance with public transport rules.
• Issuing on-the-spot fines (payable by EFTPOS or credit card).
• Serving infringement notices for offences.
• Detaining or arresting passengers under specific circumstances.
• Displaying their badge and identity card upon request.

Key limitation:

• Officers cannot search bags or belongings.

Providing Your Name and Address

Authorised Officers may request your name and address if they believe you have committed or are about to commit an offence. This could include situations like not having a valid ticket, acting suspiciously, or attempting to evade checks. Passengers must:

• Provide their name and address when requested.
• Understand the alleged offence, as officers must explain their reasoning.
• Avoid providing false information, which is an offence.

Verification methods:

• Officers may check identification or contact a relative to confirm details.

Detention and Arrest Powers

Detention or arrest by Authorised Officers is only permitted under specific conditions to ensure compliance with public transport laws. This authority includes:

• Detaining or arresting passengers who refuse to provide their name and address despite reasonable grounds.
• Acting on reasonable grounds to enforce regulations and ensure court attendance.
• Addressing situations such as aggressive or threatening behaviour, fare evasion attempts, or refusal to comply with lawful instructions.
• Using force that is reasonable and proportional to the situation.
• Handing detained individuals over to police promptly to ensure proper legal proceedings are followed.

Disputing a Fine

If you believe a fine is unfair, you have the right to challenge it through a structured dispute process. A step-by-step process for disputing a fine is outlined below:

1. Review the Fine: Carefully read the details of the fine to understand the offence and the payment deadline.
2. Seek Legal Advice: Contact legal aid or a solicitor to assess the validity of the fine and explore your options.
3. Request an Internal Review: Contact the issuing authority to request an internal review of the fine if you believe it was issued in error.
4. Escalate to Court if Necessary: If unsatisfied with the internal review, elect to have the matter heard in court.
5. Children’s Court Option: If under 18 at the time of the offence, request to have the case heard in the Children’s Court.

Code of Conduct

To maintain fairness, integrity, and professionalism, Authorised Officers are required to follow a strict Code of Conduct. This ensures that all passengers are treated respectfully and fairly while using the public transport system. Key principles include:

1. Professionalism: Officers must always perform their duties with integrity and professionalism, reflecting the values of the public transport system.
2. Respect for Passengers: Officers must provide courteous and respectful customer service to all passengers, regardless of the situation.
3. Safety and Security: Officers must actively ensure passenger safety by deterring anti-social behaviour and addressing security risks.
4. Enforcement of Regulations: Officers are responsible for reporting offences under the Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983 and related legislation, ensuring compliance with transport rules.

Complaint Process

If you believe an Authorised Officer has not adhered to the Code of Conduct, you can file a complaint to ensure your concerns are addressed fairly and transparently:

• Step 1: Lodge your complaint with the public transport operator through official channels (e.g., phone, email, or online forms).
• Step 2: Keep a record of your complaint reference number and any correspondence.
• Step 3: If the issue remains unresolved or the response is unsatisfactory, escalate the complaint to the Public Transport Ombudsman. Provide detailed documentation, including your initial complaint and any responses received.

Key Legislation

1. Transport (Compliance and Miscellaneous) Act 1983: Governs the overall conduct of public transport services, including the powers of Authorised Officers and offences related to fare evasion and misconduct.
2. Transport (Passenger Vehicles) Regulations 2020: Provides detailed regulations for the operation of passenger vehicles, including ticketing requirements and passenger responsibilities.
3. Infringements Act 2006: Outlines the processes for issuing, disputing, and managing fines, ensuring a fair and consistent approach to handling infringements.

Resources and Support

1. Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO): Provides independent dispute resolution for issues such as unfair fines or officer misconduct.
2. Victorian Legal Aid: Offers free legal advice and guidance for public transport offences, including fines and behavioural disputes.
3. Transport Victoria: Provides information on transport policies, regulations, and passenger rights.

Conclusion

Understanding the powers and responsibilities of Authorised Officers enables passengers to navigate public transport confidently while protecting their rights. Additionally, knowing the available resources and steps to resolve disputes ensures fair and efficient outcomes.