The brilliant new PTV app means you'll never miss a train again

Is there anything more annoying than running for your tram, only to have it pull out just as you reach the stop? How about touching on your myki and seeing the dreaded red light of a negative balance, then watching the train pull away while you trudge dispiritedly back up to the top-up machine? Or turning up to the train station to discover the dreaded orange replacement bus sign when you didn't factor that into your commuting time? 

All of these things are a thing of the past with the new Public Transport Victoria app, which aims to help get public transport users around the city with ease. You can create a myki account, add money or a myki Pass, set up automatic top-up (which is boss level Melbourne living) and check your balance, all from your phone. You'll never be caught out with a negative balance again with the easy-to-use app. Are you the forgetful type? Don't stress – you can set up push notifications so the app will tell you when your balance is running low or your myki Pass is about to run out. 

The app doesn't just make using myki a breeze, it also takes any uncertainty out of your commute. The app will tell you where a specific train or bus is in real time, so you'll always know whether you really do have time for that last drink or whether you need to get a move on. Decided to have that last drink anyway? No worries – the app will tell you the next five departures from nearby stops, so you'll know how much time you have. 

You can also use the app to plan your journey, and it will give you suggestions for tram, train and bus routes to your destination and even tell you how much walking is required with each route option. If you are somewhere you don't know well, the app will find nearby stops for the tram, train and bus near your current location. And you can even tell it to remember your home and work addresses to make the whole process fast and easy. 

You'll also never be caught out by service disruptions, because the app will send you push notifications about news, announcements and changes to services. That means if your tram isn't running or there are replacement buses on your train line, you'll be informed with plenty of time to plan an alternative route or leave enough time to get where you need to be. 

The app is fully accessible, with voice-over capabilities and large font options. 

You can download the app from the Apple or Google Play stores.