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Public transport, taxis, and ride sharing

Access to reliable transport is important for maintaining your independence and connecting with your community.

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Access to reliable transport is important for maintaining your independence and connecting with your community. Here are some travel options to help you get out and about.

Public transport

Public buses and trains are available in every state and territory except the Northern Territory where only buses are provided. Some states and territories also provide ferries and trams. 

Public transport options in regional areas are often limited. In remote areas, public transport is generally not available.  

Access to reliable transport is important for maintaining your independence and connecting with your community. Here are some travel options to help you get out and about.

Public transport

Public buses and trains are available in every state and territory except the Northern Territory where only buses are provided. Some states and territories also provide ferries and trams. 

Public transport options in regional areas are often limited. In remote areas, public transport is generally not available.  

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Older people and people living with a disability pay reduced concession fares. Eligibility for concession fares varies, so it’s important to check with the relevant transport authority in your state or territory. 

  • New South Wales - website or call 131 500
  • Northern Territoriy - website or call 08 8924 7666 
  • Queensland - website or call 131 230 
  • South Australia - website or call 1300 311 108  
  • Tasmania - website or call 1300 135 513  
  • Victoria - website or call 1800 800 007  
  • Western Australia - website or call 13 62 13
  • Australian Capital Territory - website or 13 17 10

Older people and people living with a disability pay reduced concession fares. Eligibility for concession fares varies, so it’s important to check with the relevant transport authority in your state or territory. 

  • New South Wales - website or call 131 500
  • Northern Territoriy - website or call 08 8924 7666 
  • Queensland - website or call 131 230 
  • South Australia - website or call 1300 311 108  
  • Tasmania - website or call 1300 135 513  
  • Victoria - website or call 1800 800 007  
  • Western Australia - website or call 13 62 13
  • Australian Capital Territory - website or 13 17 10
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Public transport apps

Public transport mobile apps can help you plan your journey and keep track of your timetable. You can use these apps if you have a smartphone and access to the Google Play store or Apple Store.

 

Each state or territory transport authority has its own app, so make sure to download the correct one for your area.

  • New South Wales – Opal Travel  
  • Northern Territory – NT Bus Tracker
  • Queensland – Translink App 
  • South Australia – Moovit, NextThree, or Transit
  • Tasmania – Metro TasVictoria – Mobile myki
  • Western Australia – Transperth App
  • Australian Capital Territory - Transit, or Next Bus

Public transport mobile apps can help you plan your journey and keep track of your timetable. You can use these apps if you have a smartphone and access to the Google Play store or Apple Store.

 

Each state or territory transport authority has its own app, so make sure to download the correct one for your area.

  • New South Wales – Opal Travel  
  • Northern Territory – NT Bus Tracker
  • Queensland – Translink App 
  • South Australia – Moovit, NextThree, or Transit
  • Tasmania – Metro TasVictoria – Mobile myki
  • Western Australia – Transperth App
  • Australian Capital Territory - Transit, or Next Bus
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Taxis

Taxis can be booked online, via phone, by mobile app, or in some areas by flagging them down on the street.

Not many taxi companies operate nationwide, so use the Yellow Pages to locate a taxi company in your area if you are unsure. You can also specify if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle when you book. 

Taxis can be booked online, via phone, by mobile app, or in some areas by flagging them down on the street.

Not many taxi companies operate nationwide, so use the Yellow Pages to locate a taxi company in your area if you are unsure. You can also specify if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle when you book. 

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Taxi subsidy schemes

Each state or territory provides reduced cost taxi travel to eligible residents living with severe or permanent disability. Eligibility for this scheme varies. Ensure you check your state or territory government website below for more information. 

  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - New South Wales website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Northern Territory website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Queensland website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - South Australia website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Tasmania website
  • Multi Purpose Taxi Program - Victoria website
  • Taxi Users’ Subsidy Scheme - Western Australia website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Australian Capital Territory website

Each state or territory provides reduced cost taxi travel to eligible residents living with severe or permanent disability. Eligibility for this scheme varies. Ensure you check your state or territory government website below for more information. 

  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - New South Wales website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Northern Territory website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Queensland website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - South Australia website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Tasmania website
  • Multi Purpose Taxi Program - Victoria website
  • Taxi Users’ Subsidy Scheme - Western Australia website
  • Taxi Subsidy Scheme - Australian Capital Territory website
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Ride sharing

Ride sharing is a new type of taxi service where the driver uses their own private vehicle. Uber, DiDi, and Ola are well known ride sharing companies that operate in Australia. 

Each ride sharing service has its own mobile app where you can book a trip. These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple Store if you have a smartphone. 

Ride sharing is a new type of taxi service where the driver uses their own private vehicle. Uber, DiDi, and Ola are well known ride sharing companies that operate in Australia. 

Each ride sharing service has its own mobile app where you can book a trip. These apps can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple Store if you have a smartphone. 

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There are other ride sharing options available depending on where you live, or your specific needs:

Shebah

Shebah is a female-only ride share service. This ride sharing service is only available to women and children.

GoCatch

Only registered taxi drivers are able to register as drivers with GoCatch.

There are other ride sharing options available depending on where you live, or your specific needs:

Shebah

Shebah is a female-only ride share service. This ride sharing service is only available to women and children.

GoCatch

Only registered taxi drivers are able to register as drivers with GoCatch.

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Uber Assist

Uber Assist is a service offered by Uber for people with accessibility needs, including older people. Uber Assist drivers will help you get in and out of the vehicle and are able to handle any assistive or mobility equipment. 

The Victorian Government currently provides subsidies on Uber transport for people eligible under the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP). 

Uber Assist is a service offered by Uber for people with accessibility needs, including older people. Uber Assist drivers will help you get in and out of the vehicle and are able to handle any assistive or mobility equipment. 

The Victorian Government currently provides subsidies on Uber transport for people eligible under the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP). 

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My Aged Care support

My Aged Care is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. Transport Assistance is an aged care service that can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme as part of a Home Care Package.

 

The service can include transport vouchers and subsidies, a driver service, or help with shopping, visiting health practitioners, and attending social activities.

 

Eligibility for Transport Assistance is determined by an assessor who will arrange to meet you in person. Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 for more information. 

My Aged Care is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. Transport Assistance is an aged care service that can be accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme as part of a Home Care Package.

 

The service can include transport vouchers and subsidies, a driver service, or help with shopping, visiting health practitioners, and attending social activities.

 

Eligibility for Transport Assistance is determined by an assessor who will arrange to meet you in person. Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 for more information. 

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Public transport, taxis, and ride sharing - PDF

More helpful information

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971

 

If you need more information, get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971

 

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