Public transport in each state and territory typically includes buses, trains, trams, ferries and other government funded transport services.
Services available
Public transport services can be used by people with disability for transportation to and from work if they are either unable to drive or do not own a suitable vehicle. Using public transport can increase a person's independence and decrease reliance on being transported by family members, carers or co-workers. With most public transport carriers having an extensive timetable, especially within cities, flexibility in work times is possible.
Tips for travelling on public transport:
identify your most appropriate route by calling the helpline, reading timetables or trip planning links on web pages
if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility you can identify whether the available transport close to your home and destination is wheelchair accessible (accessibility information links below)
if you are unable to lift your hand to signal a driver at a bus stop, stand as close to bus stop as possible
ask an inspector or ticket sales person about the most appropriate route.
The following links are provided for individual transport services in each state and territory. These links will take you to timetables, journey planning and disability accessible travel information. Please note that links will open in a new window.
Australian Capital Territory
Infoline 13 17 10
TTY (02) 6207 7689
New South Wales
Please note at the time of writing it was noted on the website that 'Visually Impaired Persons Permit' holders are entitled to free travel on CityRail, Sydney buses, Sydney ferries and Newcastle buses and ferries services. Guide dogs and therapy dogs are also permitted on these services.
Infoline 13 15 00
TTY 1800 637 500
Northern Territory
Approximately 80 per cent of the NT public buses are considered to have ‘easy access’ (Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure 2007). With at least 24 hours notice arrangements can be made (in most circumstances) with DarwinBus (infoline) to arrange an easy access bus on a particular route.
Infoline (08) 8924 7666
Queensland
It may be possible to organise an easy access bus on your particular route by contacting Brisbane City Council Call Centre on (07) 3403 8888—24 hours notice required.
Personalised Public Transport is a service provided by the Brisbane City Council on a trial basis to cover areas not covered or not sufficiently covered by public transport. It involves wheelchair accessible 10 person maxi cabs operating along set routes. Legally blind users holding a Council Blind Persons Pass or a National Impaired Persons Travel Pass travel free.
Infoline 13 12 30
TTY (07) 3369 3377
South Australia
Infoline 13 23 24
Tasmania
Infoline 13 22 01
TTY (03) 6233 4241
Victoria
Infoline 131 638
TTY (03) 9619 2727
Western Australia
Infoline 13 62 13
TTY (08) 9428 1999
References and resources
Northern Territory Department of Planning and Infrastructure 2007, Travelling on buses in Darwin and Alice Springs, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, viewed 1 June 2007, < http://www.dpi.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/transport/public/bus/information.html>.