To Sunshine!? I'd hardly call that bypassing...
If you live close by to the drop off point.
Otherwise, you would have to deal with our friends out the front of Broady Station, near the 901 bus pickup drop off point is.
Or get off the 901 and change bus at the Reddy Express.
I did the Peninsula Express as a try, and bypassed having to deal with the Broady mob, but then, had to face the Frankston mob, (ala beggars).
Went back from Frankson on the train, wow, what an experience.
Yes, Skybus is very expensive, but even the ride to St Kilda, was ok, as the Pensinsula Express dropped off away from Ackland St.
---
I'm overnighting in MEL in November (SYD-MEL-LST). As I arrive MEL around 3 pm, I'm planning to take the public bus to Broadmeadows Station and then the train to Spencer St, Takes longer but is a tad less expensive, and probably more "interesting". Never used my Myki card before, so I'll give it a workout. I have lived in Melbourne before, so not a complete novice.
If you want to make your $5.50 Myki work/worth it, then take the 901 to Reddy Express, at Mickleham, change to 902, go up to Bell Station, and then get the train down to the city.
Or 59 tram from Airport West, that is the "fun" show wow one.
Now that is a very long ride!
You could also if you make the 479, go as as Sunbury, and then the vline down to Southern X.
There is a curly haired guy at Southern X, with a begging sign round his neck.
He does not say anything, but the cardboard sign makes it clear what he wants.
He is on the ground floor concourse, have not seen him in the paid area.
Everytime I stopped to see my smartphone, he also stopped and stared at me.
This was just a few weeks ago, mid Jul.
===
PTV is no more, now
https://transport.vic.gov.au/