What you need to know before boarding public transport
Public transport operators have spent time and money to make
many of their vehicles and services accessible for people with a
mobility impairment.
Before you start travelling onboard public transport with a wheelchair
or mobility scooter, it is a good idea to be aware of your rights and
responsibilities.
Do your homework
If you have never taken your wheelchair or mobility scooter on public
transport before, do some research before you leave home.
Make sure your wheelchair or mobility scooter is public transport
friendly and meets the Transport Standards.
If you have specific concerns or questions about travelling on public
transport, discuss them with the transport company.
Practise before you need to travel
Consider taking your wheelchair or mobility scooter on public
transport just to learn how to get around, before you need to
get somewhere.
For example, you may wish to travel during off-peak on buses,
trains, trams and ferries for your first few journeys, especially if you
are uncertain about how you will go. There will be fewer people
onboard and you will have more time and space to learn how to use
your wheelchair or mobility scooter.
If you are new to travelling by train, or want to refresh your travelling
skills, Queensland Rail runs quarterly Rail Safety and Orientation
Days. At these events, Queensland Rail staff are on hand to take
you through a station and stationary train in a relaxed and controlled
environment.
You will have an opportunity to learn about the variety of accessibility
features found across the City network, practice boarding,
disembarking, moving through the carriage and ask questions of
station staff and train crew. For more information about Rail Safety
and Orientation Days, email communityengagement@qr.com.au
Plan each journey
It is a good idea to plan ahead when wanting to travel on public
transport. Many services are accessible for passengers travelling
with wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but some are not.
If you are booking an accessible taxi, you should plan ahead and
pre-book your taxi. Make sure you let the booking company know
that you require an accessible taxi as these bookings must be given
priority over general bookings.
If you are at a taxi rank, and a rank marshal is present, accessible
taxis can be requested via radio, if there isn’t one waiting. A vacant,
on duty taxi (usually indicated by the hail light turned on) may be
hailed at any time; however the driver must not disregard the road
rules to pull over to accept the fare.
The Transport Standards require response times for accessible
taxis bookings to be the same as for other taxis. The department
publishes information it receives from taxi companies about waiting
times on its website at www.tmr.qld.gov.au.
Queensland Rail does not require advance notice of your plans if
you intend on travelling on the City network.
If you are planning to travel on Queensland Rail’s long distance
Traveltrain services, contact their Customer Care Centre on
1800 TRAINS (872 467) to discuss travel requirements.
If you are using G:link trams on the Gold Coast, you do not need to
provide advance notice of your journey.
If you’re planning to travel by other modes of public transport
such as buses and ferries, and you have specific travel needs or
particular questions, play it safe and raise them with the transport
operator before travelling.
If you give the operator time to plan ahead, they will be better
prepared to assist you and ensure you have a safe and comfortable
journey.
