Victoria Government
What's happening
People who are blind or who have vision impairments tell some of their stories of using public transport. Sometimes the loudspeaker announcements on trains tell these people the wrong station. Sometimes drivers forget to tell these people the right tram stops. Some blind users think that drivers should know their tram and bus routes. Users might try to complain but it doesn't work. Drivers need to learn how to deal with blind people.
More information about Seeing your way around trams and trains
Posted by: Graeme Turner, on 12/04/13
No comments
My friends were getting married in Melbourne and my girlfriend and I were invited. The wedding was great but we had many problems with multipurpose taxis. The first didn't come. The second was late. But the third was the worst. The driver took us to the wrong house which was another bridal couple's barbecue. It was like suddenly being taken to another world. The people were friendly but not my friends. After getting to the right barbecue, at the end of the night the taxi agency didn't want to pick us up. It was a strange day which I can now laugh about.
More information about Four taxis and a wedding
Posted by: Gary Barling, on 13/07/12
4 comments - last comment on 01/08/12
Being able to fly alone is important for me. I use a walking frame and get tired easily. It is easier for me to use a wheelchair at airports. When I fly I get help getting on and off the plane. I also need to use oxygen on the plane and this can cost a lot. I chose to fly with Qantas and British Airways when I visited my parents in Israel this year. British Airways do not charge for oxygen. Qantas charges $700 to use their oxygen tanks. On this trip I was happy to have a good flight.
More information about Flying solo
Posted by: Tully Zygier, on 12/07/12
No comments
Train travel is often the best way for me to get around Melbourne. With practice I am becoming more confident travelling further from home. Using an electric wheelchair means I am noticed in the crowd. Some people on public transport think it's okay to talk to me and offer advice because I use a wheelchair. I have had people quote words from the Bible. Others think they can use the bar at the back of my wheelchair to rest on. I don't mind when children ask me questions. Sometimes I have interesting conversations. But I usually like to be left alone.
More information about Next station is
Posted by: Nicole Smith, on 04/07/12
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Being blind, I often use public transport. The bus driver always has to tell me when I have arrived at my bus stop. But recently I caught a Smart Bus. A recorded announcement told me the bus number. I could sit, relax and talk to a girl next to me. Each bus stop was announced. I was excited. I could be independent. I waited to press the button for my stop. It was a special moment. I pressed the button, the bus stopped and I thanked the driver. And I say a thank you to everyone involved in the Smart Bus.
More information about Pushing buttons and the Smart Bus
Posted by: Christine Casey, on 17/04/12
No comments
Access to public transport for people with a disability is difficult in Victoria. The Victorian government wrote a plan to improve accessibility on public transport. The plan was to make improvements from 2006 to 2012. Since 2006, there are now more accessible tram stops. There are more low-floor trams and buses. These changes mean more people with a disability can use public transport. But many of the plan ideas have not been done. Many improvements are still not finished. The government has not spent enough money to improve public transport accessibility.
More information about Commuters demand improved access
Posted by: Ghadir Omran, on 16/03/12
No comments
Travel to medical appointments can be difficult and costly for country people. Last year I had to travel to Melbourne for surgery. I had to pay for a train to the appointment. But I then used a free Red Cross car to return home. I relaxed in the car. It was better than a long train trip home. Red Cross cars are available throughout Victoria. Some regional councils and health groups offer a similar car service. Recently I read about the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme. It could have paid for my train trip to the surgery.
More information about Transport for medical appointments
Posted by: Graham Clements, on 01/03/12
4 comments - last comment on 08/05/13
I use my car every day. It gives me freedom. It is my link to the world. Keeping my car maintained is important. But I need help filling the car with petrol. The Driveway Assist program helps people with a disability. At some service stations you can just honk your horn to get help. Someone will come out and fill your car with petrol. The VACC recommends talking to service, repair and cleaning companies about any needs you might have. It is also a good idea to pay for roadside assistance. Someone will help if your car has a problem.
More information about Help for drivers with disability
Posted by: Camille Condon, on 10/10/11
No comments
Travellers Aid has been helping people for 95 years. Travellers Aid today provides a range of services. It helps people with limited mobility. It also provides facilities like showers, baby change and internet access. And Travellers Aid also provides personal care assistants and accessible toilets for people with a disability. I recently visited Travellers Aid at Southern Cross train station in Melbourne. Many people were using the services and facilities. Amy Tingay says Travellers Aid is very important to her. The service has helped her to be more independent.
More information about Coming to a traveller's aid
Posted by: Karli Dettman, on 28/09/11
2 comments - last comment on 28/09/11
Taxis can be a fantastic way of getting around. I am a person who is blind. I use taxis for many different reasons. I use them to go to work and medical appointments. I also use them to go out for fun. Taxis have given me confidence and independence. Most drivers are very helpful. But I have had some bad experiences with taxi drivers. The Victorian Government has started an inquiry into taxi services. They are looking at how the service could be improved. I think taxis are very important to people with a disability. They help us travel safely and independently.
More information about My taxi experiences
Posted by: Marisa Sposaro, on 12/09/11
1 comment - last comment on 14/09/11
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