Busy city-goers are making the most of free mobile charging facilities across Melbourne’s eight CBD and inner-city train stations with the new units being used more than 9,000 times. The units are operational at Flinders Street, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament, Richmond, North Melbourne, South Yarra and Southern Cross Station. Victorian Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll said that the initiative delivers on the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment to have mobile phone charging facilities across CBD and inner-city train stations.
“For many of us phones are an integral part of getting on with our working and personal lives and this initiative will help take the stress out of your travels.” Minister Carroll commented “The charging units in seven of the stations will be in public, non-ticketed areas meaning both train commuters and those out and about in the city will be able to stay connected for longer while on the go.”

Minister Carroll explained that a total of 168 phones can be charged for free at any given time, a benefit for commuters who instead of staring at dying mobile phones are breathing a sigh of relief as they make the most of the new facilities. The Minister added that all stations except Melbourne Central include charging units located in non-ticketed areas and are accessible to the public, with the capacity to charge various smartphones including iOS and Android devices.
Minister Carroll said that the charging units look like a vending machine and are similar to the pay-for-use charging stations in shopping centres and airports but are free to use. They will enable city-goers to stay connected with family, friends, and work as they go about their daily travel. Having a full phone battery will benefit those who use the PTV app and those who use our new online tool, Ridespace, to get real-time information on how busy or quiet their train will be before they board. The Minister also pointed out that mobile charging units are regularly sanitised as part of a comprehensive cleaning program across the public transport network, which focuses on high touch surfaces. Hand sanitiser units are also installed at CBD stations to help passengers practice good hand hygiene and keep each other safe.