Transport
People with disability have the right to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life including access on an equal basis with others... to transportation...
(Article 9, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities).
The information on this page aims to help people with disability, their families and supporters, know what resources and supports are available when using different kinds of transport, and how to make travel easy, safe and enjoyable.
People with intellectual and developmental disability, including Autism, can face challenges when using different kinds of transportation.
Sensitivity to noise, bright lights, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming for some people. Communication difficulties, such as understanding transportation schedules and routes, or interacting with drivers and staff, are common. Additionally, planning travel routes, understanding timetables, and managing unexpected changes in schedules pose challenges. Navigating busy streets, crossroads, and unfamiliar environments can also present safety concerns.
These shared difficulties highlight the importance of providing inclusive and accessible transportation options for all, and knowing what help is available can make things easier.
One in six people aged 15 years and over with disability have difficulty using public transport.
The challenges people with disability may face when using public transport can include:
- poor access to stations, stops and terminals
- difficulty in accessing information suitable to their needs
- safety challenges in planning and completing a public transport journey.
Excerpt from Disability and Transport Standards 2022 Report (Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts)
The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 outline requirements for public transport operators and providers in Australia to make their services accessible and remove discrimination against people with disability. The Transport Standards help people to travel to work or study, connect with family, friends and their community, and access healthcare services. Where a person with disability is not afforded equitable access this can result in discrimination.
More information can be found on the Australian Human Rights Commission website here.
DDWA Resources
Video:
"Catching public transport to meet friends"
This video is part of the DDWA "Friendship Project"
Easy Read:
"Catching public transport to meet friends"
More Information
Department of Transport - WA (DoT)
The Transport Portfolio's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) outlines their commitment to people with disability over the next five years. Read the Transport Portfolio's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (2022-2027) here: DAIP plan 2022-2027
The DoT website has information for people with disability, including taxi identification for people with vision impairment, travelling with an assistance animal, travelling with a wheelchair or mobility device and more. Visit their website here: Transport for people with disability
The Public Transport Authority (PTA) has also developed the PTA Implementation Plan for Transport Portfolio Disability Access and Inclusion Plan which demonstrates our commitment to providing a high level of independence for all passengers.
Transperth Mentor Course
This online course was co-designed with representatives from the disability sector and is free for service providers in the disability and community sectors. The course is designed to increase knowledge and skills of workers (‘companions’) who support people with diverse needs to use public transport, in a safe and competent manner.
Why do this course?
Public transport can help everyone connect with community and be independent. Whilst accessibility across the Transperth network is improving, not all stations and bus stops are the same. Careful planning is required when working with people with diverse needs on the Transperth network.
- Learn how you can support people with diverse needs to use public transport
- Help meet your NDIS requirements to provide supports in a safe and competent manner
https://www.transperth.wa.gov.au/Contact-Us/Transperth-Mentor-Training
Learning to drive with a learning difficulty, disability and/or Autism.
There are services that provide driving instruction for people with intellectual disability and/or neurodivergence. Some are NDIS-registered providers and your NDIS plan may fund driving lessons to make it possible for NDIS clients to learn to drive with specialised training and vehicle modifications.
Here are a few specialist services that we have come across include:
- DRIVE: Learning With A Disability | Perth Driving School: https://driveperth.com.au/disability
- Drive & Pass: Specialised Driving Training: https://www.driveandpass.com.au
- Adrian Driving School: Learn to Drive with Disability: https://www.adriandrivingschool.com/ndis-learn-to-drive-with-disability
Council for Intellectual Disability (CID)
In this video CID members talk about some of the issues they face with transport.
Information and help when travelling to different countries
Accessible Travel Companies
Many travel companies are now registered NDIS providers. They also have lots of helpful resources and travel tips on their websites. Here are some we have found.
- Clubmates Travel - https://clubmatestravel.com/
- Amplify - Accessible Travel Specialists - https://amplifyats.com.au/
- Breeze Mobility - https://www.breezemobility.com.au/pages/travel-with-special-needs
- Supported Travel eXperiences https://www.supportedtravelx.com.au/
- Careaway - https://www.careaway.com.au/
- Special Care Travel - https://www.specialcaretravel.com.au/
- Leisure Options - https://www.leisureoptions.com.au/
- https://www.wadsa.org.au/wadsa/
- Breakaway retreats -https://breakawayretreats.com.au/
- Advice for travellers with disability - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/who-you-are/disability
Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel Online Resources (last update 2016): Planning a trip with disability or access issues requires specific considerations to ensure your needs are met at your destination. For some people, spontaneity isn't always an option and finding reliable information can be difficult. While this collection of online resources may not cover everything, it's a valuable starting point. From initial planning to locating suitable venues and facilities at your destination, these resources aim to make travel more accessible for everyone. Explore accessible travel resources here.
And this ‘Accessible Travel Phrasebook’ from Lonely Planet may come in handy. Speaking a bit of the local language can make any trip better, but for people with disability, it's really important to be able to explain your needs. Regular phrasebooks might not have the right words, so Lonely Planet put together disability-specific words and phrases in as many languages as they could. Travelling with a disability can be hard because of many barriers, but language shouldn't be one of them.
Vehicle modifications and driving supports
If you need vehicle modifications because of your disability, the NDIS might be able to help. The vehicle would need to be yours or one you can use regularly.
The NDIS might also fund other relevant disability supports linked to driving. For example, a specialist driving assessment or training you need because of your disability.
For more information see their website at: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/supports-you-can-access-menu/equipment-and-technology/vehicle-modifications-and-driving-supports
The NDIS also provide Information about what the transport system is responsible for: NDIS Transport Page
Wheels for Hope delivers the gift of mobility by providing loan wheelchair accessible transport to assist WA families with disability to access medical and remedial care, education, family and community activities. See their website for more information.
Concessions and Assistance Services
Travel by Train, Bus, Airplane and Car
Public Transport: Bus and Train (WA), Coach and Ferry
- Transperth: Offers free travel for people with disabilities holding a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Companion Card. Companions with a Companion Card travel for free.
- Transwa: Provides discounted fares for people with disabilities on regional trains and coaches. Companions with a Companion Card travel for free.
Taxis (WA)
- Taxi Users' Subsidy Scheme (TUSS): Offers up to 75% off taxi fares for people with severe disabilities who cannot use public transport. Companions can travel with the person with a disability.
Car Hire
Accessible Vehicles: Major car hire companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer vehicles with hand controls and other adaptive devices. While specific discounts are not widely advertised, assistance is available upon request.
Useful links
Special assistance at Transperth train stations
Should you require any help at one of a train station, call 1800 800 022 one hour in advance of your arrival. Calls are answered from first service to last service, seven days a week.
- Special assistance at Transwa: TransWA Accessibility.
Companion Card
A support person/s travelling with a Companion Card holder is entitled to free travel on public transport. The Companion Card holder must have a valid ticket.
Domestic Travel in other Australian States
While Western Australian (WA) specific schemes don’t apply interstate, use your Companion Card for free travel companionship. The Companion Card is recognised in all states. Check local transport for accessibility and concessions, and carry proof of disability for smoother travel.
If you have WA disability concessions and are traveling interstate, here’s how to access accommodations and discounts:
Taxis
- TUSS Card: Not valid interstate, but other states have similar schemes.
- Steps: Research local taxi subsidy schemes, apply if possible, and carry proof of disability.
Public Buses and Trains
- Accessibility: All states offer accessible buses with features like ramps and wheelchair spaces.
- Companion Card: WA Companion Card is recognised nationally for free companion travel.
- Steps: Carry your Companion Card and check local transport services for specific accessibility details.
Domestic and International Airlines
- Qantas: Carer Concession Card for 50% off domestic flights for carers. Assistance services for international flights.
- Virgin Australia: Disability Assistant Concession Fare for domestic flights. Assistance services for international flights.
- Jetstar: Special assistance services for both domestic and international flights, but no specific fare discounts for carers.
International Airlines with Similar Programs:
American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada: Offer extensive assistance services, including wheelchair support and priority boarding. Specific fare discounts for carers are not commonly provided.
More helpful links
Commonwealth Government
Services Australia
This link will connect you to Services Australia. Which delivers payments and services to Australians through Centrelink. People who receive support from Centrelink come from many different back-grounds and the benefits people receive reflect this. There are payments for people with disabilities, for older people, people who live in rural or re-mote communities, indigenous Australians, those affected by a natural disaster such as bush fire, families, job seekers and students
Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
National Disability Insurance Scheme
This link will take you through to the website of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS is Australia’s first national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding for Therapy, equipment and individual support services directly to individuals.
Website: www.ndis.gov.au
NDIS Where do I start?
Maggie from DDWA talks about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and how to get ready for a planning meeting and understand the funding sections of a NDIS plan.
Western Australian Government
Concessions WA
This is an easy-to-use online resource where you can search by category, concession card type or people group to find details on more than 100 rebates, concessions and subsidy schemes provided by the Government of Western Australia including discounts on dental care, glasses, transport and more.
This link will take you to this page to search for savings that suit your own circumstances:
Website: www.concessions.communities.wa.gov.au
ACROD Parking
ACROD parking allows people with a disability to park in dedicated bays. ACROD parking permits are free, funded by the Government of Western Australia.
Phone: 08 9242 5544
Website: www.acrod.org.au
Companion Card
If you have a disability and a lifelong need for ‘attendant need support’ to participate in community events and attend venues, this card can help with costs of getting out and about with the support of a companion. The card is issued in your name and is valid for 5 years. It gives you as a cardholder freedom to go to different places with different people. Your companion may be a partner, family member, friend, volunteer or paid care assistant/support worker.
Present your card when purchasing tickets at participating businesses or transport and you are issued with a second ticket for your companion at no charge. It is recognised throughout Australia.
Phone: 1800 617 337
Email: wa@companioncard.org.au
Website: www.wacompanioncard.org.au
Department of Communities
Disability Services has web page with links to many recreation options as well as the locations of “Changing places” which are venues in the community with facilities which include hoists and changing facilities for adults.
Apply to get an Access Key (Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK)) for Changing Paces facilities here:
https://masterlocksmiths.com.au/event-6048336
