Getting around town
The person you care for may need help in travelling outside the home. Knowing how to get around and what you need to think about when travelling can help to make things easier.
Getting around
You may be able to get help with getting around, including transport services for you and the person you care for, and free or subsidised (cheaper for you) public transport and taxis.
What transport help can you get
Transport services include:
- public transport – you and the person you care for can get cheaper tickets on public transport if you have concession cards (such as a Pensioner Concession Card). As a carer, you might be able to travel for free with a Companion Card. A mobility allowance can help adults who can’t use public transport without help
- taxis – each state and territory has taxi vouchers and subsidies for people with disability and their carers
- Australian Capital Territory – Taxi Subsidy Scheme
- New South Wales – Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
- Northern Territory – Transport Subsidy Schemes
- Queensland – Taxi Subsidy Scheme
- South Australia – Transport Subsidy Scheme
- Tasmania – Taxi Subsidy Program
- Victoria – Multi Purpose Taxi Program
- Western Australia – Taxi User Subsidy Scheme
- community transport services – many community groups offer transport for the elderly and people with disability and their carers. Support groups may also offer transport for people with specific conditions.
- You can call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 to find out about services you can get in your local area, and to register for services and support.
What patient travel help can you get
You may be able to get subsidised (cheaper for you) transport services if the person you care for needs to go to regular medical treatment. Patient travel services include:
- Australian Capital Territory – Interstate Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
- New South Wales – Transport for Health
- Northern Territory – Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
- Queensland – Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme
- South Australia – Patient Assistance Transport Scheme
- Tasmania – Patient Travel Assistance Scheme
- Victoria – Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme
- Western Australia – Patient Assisted Travel Scheme
- Veterans – people with Department of Veterans’ Affairs Health Cards may also be able to get help with travel costs through the Repatriation Transport Scheme
You can also talk to the hospital or medical centre you go to, because they may have some advice about where to go for transport help
What parking help can you get
If the person you care for has a physical impairment, they can get an Australian disability parking permit that allows them to park in disabled parking areas. Their physical impairment can be temporary or permanent, and you will need a doctor’s certificate to apply.
You can apply for a permit through your state or territory transport department:
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