Transport options

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Thinking ahead and being aware of these options can give you peace of mind when deciding how to get to the shops, a social event or your next medical appointment. If you are still able to drive a car, there are also many things to consider to ensure the safety of you and others on the road.

Driving

Having the ability to drive a car is an important component for many people in keeping their independence. However, as you get older there are special licencing requirements, which may involve annual medical check-ups, completing driving assessments or renewing your licence more frequently. These often vary depending on what State or Territory you live in. Contact the Department of Transport in your State or Territory to find out what rules apply.

As you age you may experience vision changes, impairments in your decision making skills and slower reaction times which can put others in danger on the road. If you experience symptoms that can affect your driving ability or no longer feel safe or comfortable operating a motor vehicle, have a chat to your doctor and family to decide whether it is time to surrender your license.

If you are still able to drive but have a disability or a mobility impairment and require a mobility aid such as a

Subsidised Transport

walking frame, crutches, scooter or wheelchair, you may be eligible for a disability parking permit.

Disability parking is often closest to the entrance and exit of buildings, making it easier to get around. You must display your permit on the rear view mirror of your car if you park in a disability parking space.

There may be a small fee involved in obtaining an Australian Disability Parking Permit and you must be assessed by your doctor or specialist to prove you require a permit.

Each State and Territory may have different eligibility criteria around permit parking so it is important to check the rules that apply based on where you live.

Public Transport

Getting from one place to another on public transport is a common choice for older people. Most public transport services, including buses, trains, trams and ferries are accessible for people with limited mobility. Low floors and ramps allow easy, safe entry and exit of vehicles. There are also allocated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The Australian Government issues the Pensioner Concession Card to eligible Australians over 60 which offers a range of benefits including subsidised public transport fees. Some States and Territories even offer pensioners free travel at certain times.

Alternative transport options

While transport can be provided through Government funded support, there are transport options available through local councils, community transport providers and private businesses if you are unable to drive or access public transport.

◆ Local councils and community groups

Many councils and community organisations provide a variety of transport options such as:

◆ Shopping transport, which may offer a group bus service that allows you and others to do your weekly shopping

◆ Social transport, which provides transport for groups to attend social events or activities such as going to the movies or sightseeing

◆ Personal transport, which offers individual transport to the hospital, medical appointments or personal social visits to family and friends.

Throughout Australia, there is a wide range of not-for-profit, charity, religious, cultural and community groups providing free or low cost transport assistance for older people.

Organisations such as your local church, Rotary or Kiwanis, also provide transport services.

States and Territories have their own initiatives, such as the Community Transport Program in New South Wales and the Queensland Government’s Community Transport Scheme. St John Community Transport Service operates on a national level.

Many of these schemes are Government subsidised and staffed by volunteer drivers, however, you may have to pay a small contribution towards the scheme.

Your local council will be able to suggest community organisations in your area who offer these transport services to the community or offer community buses and personal transport.

Council community buses usually operate on a weekly basis with many offering the convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop - off. As well as taking residents to shopping centres, many council run community buses visit other services and activities, such as libraries and senior’s clubs and groups. You will need to pay a fee for using the community bus which may vary depending on where it is going.

Personal transport allows you to get to medical, wellbeing and other essential appointments if you are no longer able to drive. Council transport programs are generally organised by a council paid coordinator, with the driving service provided by volunteers. In some cases, the council will approve certain contractors or taxi companies to carry out the service. There is usually a minimum charge for the service, and fees may vary depending on the distance you are travelling and whether you require a return journey.

Councils provide various transport services, so it’s best to check with them about what services are available to you in your community.

◆ Transport as part of your package

To receive transport as part of your Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funding or Home Care Package (HCP) you must first be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team or Service (ACAT/S).

If you need someone to take you to your appointments, daily errands and social activities, make sure you tell the person assessing you how often you need to leave the house for these appointments. For example, you may need a lift to the local RSL for ‘games night’ once a month. Once approved someone will come to your house at agreed times and ensure you get to your activities safely.

◆ Private services

Private car services are also available depending on your needs for transport, which may offer a more personal and professional travel service. Many businesses have drivers who are trained in mobility assistance and may offer additional services, such as accompanying clients in and out of appointments, shopping trips and other reasons for transport. Private transport businesses can provide once off or ongoing services.

Most private home care providers offer personal transport services, which can help with transport to and from various appointments and outings. Services are usually provided by support workers on a temporary or ongoing basis and are tailored depending on your needs and circumstance.

◆ Taxi Subsidy Scheme

All State and Territory Governments have a scheme designed to provide financial assistance to older people who may have a disability or medical condition that prevents them from using public or community transport.

To apply for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) or Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS), you must be a permanent resident of Australia who resides in that State or Territory, have a severe or permanent disability, such as limited mobility and not be a member of other Taxi Subsidy Schemes in another State or Territory.

The TTSS provides eligible people with a booklet of dockets that can be used to subsidise up to a certain percentage of total taxi fares, with a maximum subsidy per trip.

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