Buses and coaches can be made physically accessible to people with restricted movement or physical disability through modifications such as lifts, ramps and hoists. For general transport to and from work or around the community each state and territory government transport division has information on accessible buses and coaches:
Modifications for disabled access may need to be considered for buses, coaches or vans used within the workplace for transporting workers with disabilities between worksites:
Buses and coaches may also be available for hire with or without a chauffeur for situations such as workplace social outings, team building exercises or airport transfers. If wheelchair accessibility is required, in this situation bus and coach hire companies can advise of availability in different regions.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Accessible buses and coaches are now more readily available within the Australian public transport system, hire vehicles and holiday coaches. To enable independent travel to and from work if travelling by bus, contact the relevant state body through contact details outlined at the Public transport link above.
Advice can be sought from qualified vehicle modifiers regarding the capacity to alter existing workplace vehicles for improved access for employees with a disability.
(Warrigal Charters (no date specified); Northern Territory Transport Group 2008; Public Transport Authority 2008; Ministry of Transport 2008; Bus SA 2008; Action Buses 2008; J&P Coaches (no date specified)).
Relevant Links:
Hoists—car
References:
Action Buses 2008, Accessible Travel, ACT Government, Canberra, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.action.act.gov.au/accessible_travel.html
Bus SA 2008, Home Page, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.bussa.com.au/index.shtml
J&P Coaches (no date specified), Wheelchair Accessible Coaches, J&P Coaches Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.jpcoaches.com.au/7.html
Ministry of Transport 2008, Bus Fares, Timetables and Routes, Government of New South Wales – Ministry of Transport, Sydney, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/bus/fares.html
Northern Territory Transport Group, Special Needs Transport, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/public/bus/dds.shtml#impaired
Public Transport Authority 2008, Disability Access, Government of Western Australia, Perth, viewed 22 August 2008, http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/lifestyleenvironment/gettingaround/disabilityaccess/
Warrigal Charter (no date specified), Warrigal Charter, Warrigal Charter, Wollongong, viewed 22 August 2008, http://www.chauffeursdirectory.com/wollongong_bus.html