Coronavirus: Melbourne trams and buses make front row of seats 'out of bounds'

The front row of seats will be out of bounds for commuters on Melbourne trams and buses in a bid to crackdown on the spread of COVID-19.

According to a report by The Age, the new safety measures include sealing inquiry holes on tram driver cabins to protect staff from infection.

Yarra Trams has installed signs advising commuters they cannot sit in the front row in order to "help keep your driver on the road".

Inquiry holes in 50 of Melbourne's trams have already been sealed off with plastic tape, the measure soon set to be rolled out across all trams.

The Department of Transport in a statement to 9news.com.au said Yarra Trams and some bus operators were asking passengers to keep the first row free.

"The Department of Transport and public transport operators are putting in a raft of measures to protect employees and passengers in line with expert medical advice," it read.

"We continue to encourage those Victorians who are travelling to practice social distancing and avoid travelling during peak times."

Public transport has been excluded from social distancing rules, which state a minimum of four square metres per person is required in indoor gatherings.

But audio announcements have been played on trams reminding people about the measures they can take to prevent infection.

In a statement, Public Transport Victoria confirmed it had ramped up its cleaning arrangements across Melbourne trains, trams and buses.

Trams are undergoing a deep clean before each service, which includes wiping of high-touch areas like next stop buttons, hand rails and grab straps at the beginning of each route.

Buses and trains are also being sanitised and cleaned every night.

"All of these measures have been introduced based on the advice from the DHHS," it read.

"We'll keep these increased procedures in place for as long as needed."

Public transport is excluded from the statewide COVID-19 shutdown of venues, services and businesses, deemed as an "essential" service.