Melbourne’s most dangerous public transport spots revealed

New data has revealed which train stations are plagued by crime, and some of Melbourne’s most popular stops have topped the list. See how safe your commute is.

Trains have been named the most dangerous form of public transport.

Trains have been dubbed the most dangerous way to catch public transport with 85 per cent of all crimes on public transport committed on trains, in train stations, or train station carparks, according to latest crime figures.

According to Crime Statistics Victoria, offences committed on buses accounted for 11 per cent of public transport crime in the year ending December 2023, with trams being the safest option for travel with only 4 per cent of public transport crimes.

Dandenong has been crowned the most dangerous LGA to catch public transport outside of Melbourne CBD.

Dandenong reported 847 incidents on public transport with 742 of those incidents happening at train stations or railway carparks.

However, it was a decrease from 2022, with crime on public transport dropping by 12.5 per cent.

The western suburbs were also ranked highly with the Brimbank LGA reporting 590 incidents and the Wyndham LGA reporting 563 incidents.

Notorious public transport hotspots such as the Sunshine train station — where 16-year-old Pasawm Lyhym was stabbed to death in front of horrified commuters — St Albans train station and Werribee station are included in this area.

Pasawm Lyhym, 16, was stabbed to death near Sunshine bus station. Picture: Supplied

Frankston LGA ranked fifth on the list, reporting 436 incidents.

The Melbourne CBD recorded 1827 incidents, with 1402 occurring at train stations and 154 happening during train rides.

Outside of suburban Melbourne, the Greater Geelong LGA recorded the highest number of regional incidents.

353 crimes were recorded on Geelong public transport with the vast majority of incidents occurring at train stations or in train station car parks.

Regional train stations are a hotbed for crime. Picture: Alan Barber

Ballarat recorded 174 crimes, with 52 occurring at bus stops or on buses.

Horror stories of crimes of public transport have been circulating recently.

Last month, a teen allegedly performed a lewd sex act near a mother and her child at Preston station.

The teen has since handed himself into police.

Also in February, four teenage girls were arrested after a 29-year-old woman was viciously bashed at Southern Cross Station.

The teens allegedly filmed the assault and shared the video online.

Video of the disturbing act was shared online. Picture: 7 News

The woman was attacked in front of horrified onlookers. Picture: 7 News

Criminal psychologist Tim Watson Munro said people needed to be aware of their surroundings while catching public transport.

“It’s a sad thing where you can’t catch a tram without fear but the reality is it is dangerous at the moment,” Mr Watson Munro said.

“People are scared catching public transport late at night, especially where they have to get off at isolated stations.

“It is about being aware, not taking risks and travelling with other people when you can.”

Mr Watson Munro said due to unemployment and the cost of living crisis people were “brimming with hostility and anger”.

“On public transport you have captured targets, people are sitting on the train unable to move and it also anonymises it,” he said.

“It is important to have a police presence.

“In an ideal world when people see the blue uniform, they aren’t likely to offend in a criminal way. Even if they do, there are immediate consequences.”

Public Transport Victoria officers at the Geelong bus exchange targeting anti-social behaviour. Picture: Brad Fleet

A Victoria police spokesman said transit police officers regularly patrolled public transport and public transport hubs.

“Transit police officers undertake regular operations in and around hotspots to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour,” said the spokesperson.

“Every day public transport officers patrol 216 metropolitan train station and key regional hubs.

“Transit police officers roam the network to increase police visibility in and around major transport hubs.”

Public Transport Victoria was contacted for comment.