I also used to stay in Melbourne for 1,5 years to finish my degree there 5 years back. I consider that Melbourne has a very good and convenient transportation system physically and administratively. Physically, all modes of transportation are closely connected. When we get off subway, near the station there is a bus shelter and/or tram stop, so we can continue our intended trip conveniently. Administratively, the ticket apllies to all three tranportation modes based on time from 2 hour, daily, weekly, monthly and yeraly. We can choose what we like. We don't have to buy ticket again and again once we change to other modes. Only time permits you to travel. I like this one.