Public Transport Travel Tips for a Safe and Stress-Free Journey

Travelling with your wheelchair might seem daunting but it’s not the challenge it once was.

State Governments have made accessibility a priority in recent years, looking at the whole-of-journey experience which includes giving people living with disability the ability to plan their journey and access information when travelling, as well as getting physical access to better-connected transport services.

In fact, there are many great advantages of taking your mobility device on public transport including the valuable time you’ll save as well as the cost, with concession fares available.

Some important considerations

It’s important to know that some wheelchairs and mobility scooters are too big to take on board public transport. If you use a mobility aid, it’s important to check online to check if it meets the specifications for travel. Most powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters also haven't been crash-tested which means they aren’t suitable to be used as a seat on a moving vehicle. It’s important to read your user-manual to find out about any manufacturer's warnings and if in doubt, use the accessible seating available on the public transport service.  

Glide has a range of wheelchairs that have been crash tested and are safe to use when travelling, including our CentroGlide which not only has tie-down points, but is also now compatible with the Dahl Docking system.

Put a plan in place

To make sure your journey is as smooth and stress-free as possible, a bit of planning and preparation is key. You’ll be able to find your state’s Accessibility Policy online, and most major transport companies will have pages available on their website outlining information about accessible transport. This can include:

-        Mobility aid specifications

-        Accessible facilities at stations

-        Wheelchair access and mobility requirements

-        Information on priority seating

-        Concession fares and more

It’s always important to have a schedule to follow and share it with those close to you. Share your schedule with your support workers and let people know where you are going and when you should be arriving. If plans change, remember to inform them.

It’s also important that you have an emergency contact and carry crucial medical information on you.

You can also download a personal safety app for some added peace of mind.

Before leaving, prepare your wheelchair by making sure your tyres are pumped and your batteries are charged. If any assistance is needed, searching online or calling the transport company for information on services offered is essential.

Finally, it’s worth having a back up plan or alternate route just in case your service is disrupted which can often happen with public transport.

Travelling by train

Most trains today offer wheelchair spaces where there is room to park and sometimes even charge an electric wheelchair.

Before heading to your local train station, it’s important to check online to see if the station is defined as ‘Independent Access’ or ‘Assisted Access’.

Independent Access Stations

If a station is listed as “Independent Access” it meets a higher accessibility standard and means that most passengers can access the station independently via either ramps, pathways or lifts.

The gap between platforms and trains will be a maximum of 60mm wide and 20mm high and Tactile Ground Surface Indicators are also in place.

Assisted Access Stations

“Assisted Access” stations have a lower accessibility standard which means some passengers may require assistance to access the station or board the train. Passengers who use mobility aids may need to be accompanied by a companion to access the station or you can phone ahead to arrange special assistance.

A station will be listed as assisted access due to one or more of the following reasons:

-        Ramps – these are non-compliant ramps due to the angle or length

-        Gaps – The maximum gap between the train and the platform exceeds 60mm wide and 20mm high

-        Pedestrian crossings are used to access the station these contain gaps of up to 75mm

-        Floor markings – these stations do not have compliant Tactile Ground Surface Indicators installed at the station.

Travelling by bus

As buses are becoming more wheelchair accessible, travelling by bus does not have to be complicated. Most buses are able to kneel to the kerb, lowering the step to make it easier for passengers to board as well as having built-in ramps that can extend to the kerb for those who need it. Accessible buses generally have fold-up chairs with space for two wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Your mobility aid needs to:

-        Have an effective braking system that completely stops it from moving

-        Be capable of remaining upright when in use and when left unattended

Not all buses are accessible though, and as mentioned before, planning the journey is critical to make sure the bus is suitable for you and your wheelchair.

Travelling by taxi

For passengers using powered wheelchairs, specially equipped taxis are required for safe transport.

Available in both metropolitan and regional Australia, Wheelchair accessible rank or hail vehicles (WAVs) provide essential transport for people with disability or mobility difficulties.

It’s important to call and book way in advance because availability is based on the number of vehicles they have in their fleet that are wheelchair accessible. Confirm rates and payments beforehand and check if taxi subsidy vouchers are accepted.

You should familiarise yourself with how you and your wheelchair should be restrained while being transported and contact the on-demand transport service with any questions or concerns you may have about your safety.

Travelling by ferry

Just like buses and trains, most major ferries are also wheelchair accessible with ramp access available.

Some final tips for safe and stress-free travel

- Plan ahead: Know where you are going, check if your services/stations are accessible)

- Arrange assistance: If you need assistance call ahead and arrange it - you can find the numbers for assistance online

- Share your schedule: Share the timetable with your support workers and let people know where you’re going and when you should arrive

- Avoid peak time: Travelling during peak times can be difficult as there might not be enough room to accommodate your mobility aid so avoid if you can

Check out our full range of wheelchairs that have been crash tested and are safe to use when travelling.