Most public transport operators provide concession
travel specified target groups. For example full time students, jobseekers,
apprentices, vision impaired, ex-members of the Defence forces with
disabilities and Seniors Card holders. Students who
study part
time due to their disability may also be eligible for concessions on
public transport.
Full time tertiary students automatically receive a
student card that entitles
them to discount on public transport . To obtain concessions on public
transport a valid student card with photographic identification must be
shown. Information on your
eligibility for a concession card can be obtained from
Centrelink.
If you have temporary or permanent disability that impacts upon your
mobility then you may eligible for a disabled parking permit. Disability
permits are issued by the transport authority in each State
and Territory of Australia. The granting of a disability parking permit does not guarantee the holder
access to a parking bay at all times. This depends on the provision
of parking bays and their use. To find out if you are eligible for a
disabled parking permit you will need to speak with your GP as applications
for permits must be supported by a medical reference. Information on disability parking permits can
also be obtained from the traffic authority in your State or
Territory.
Examples of impairment that disability permits cover include:
- a significant ambulatory disability such as a the use of a complex
walking aid that prevents access to a vehicle in a standard size parking bay
- significant
permanent ambulatory disability that is not likely to improve in the
applicants lifespan
- long-term ambulatory disability that is not likely to
improve within six months
- significant intellectual disability that poses
an extreme danger to the applicant and to others in a public place without
the continuous attendance by a caregiver
- a condition that is critical or dangerous to the health of the applicant
that is chronic or acute and affects the applicants ambulatory ability so
that walking distances is injurious not just inconvenient
If
you have a permanent and severe disability which affects your mobility
you maybe eligible for a taxi transport subsidy. Eligible participants
can receive a subsidy of half the fare for each trip up to a maximum of
$25.00. Participation in the scheme is not means tested, however,
applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria. The receipt of a
pension in some States and Territories of Australia does not
automatically qualify an individual for participation in the Scheme.
The eligibility of an applicant depends on the extent or severity of
the disability or mobility limitation. To find out further information
about this scheme contact your local transport authority or search on
the internet under ‘ taxi transport subsidy scheme’.
Examples of the disabilities covered under the scheme include:
- physical disability that requires dependence on a wheelchair for all
mobility outside the home
- severe ambulatory problem that cannot
functionally be improved and restricts walking to an extremely limited
distance
- total loss of vision or severe visual impairment (both eyes)
- severe and uncontrollable epilepsy with seizures involving loss of
consciousness
- intellectual impairment or dementia resulting in the need to
be accompanied by another person at all times for travel on public transport
- severe
emotional and/or behavioural disorders that have a level of
disorganisation that results in the need to be accompanied by another
person at all times for travel on public transport
You may be eligible for a Mobility
Allowance if you are unable to use
public transport without substantial assistance from others due to
your disability, The payment is fortnightly and is non-taxable. To find out more
about
Mobility Allowance contact
Centrelink
on 13 1021
or log onto their website.