A Guide

2020

to getting around

edition

in Canberra

A guideto getting around

in Canberra

A Guide

2020

to getting around

edition

in Canberra

ACT Seniors Information ServiceCall 6282 3777 for information on:

• Housing options

• ACT Seniors Card scheme

• Government and community services

• Information resources

• Services for older people and their carers

• Social groups

• Support groups

• and much more.

Email contact@cotaact.org.au

Website cotaact.org.au

A guide to getting around CanberraThis booklet has been put together to help you find your way around the transport system in Canberra. There is information about accessing:

• buses

• trains

• light rail

• community transport

• taxis

Where possible, we have listed the numbers you can ring (and places you can go) to get information in hardcopy as well as on the internet.

If you need to know more, call:

Transport Canberra 02 6207 7711

Access Canberra 13 22 81

COTA ACT Seniors Information Line 02 6282 3777

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Bus 02 6205 3555

This booklet was developed by the Council on the Ageing ACT (COTA ACT) wirth the support of the ACT Government.

COTA ACT is a not for profit organisation, and is the peak organisation addressing all issues related to ageing. We offer a range of services and support options for older people in the ACT community.

The information in this booklet is accurate and current at the date of publication – March 2020

Feedback is very welcome and can be directed to COTA ACT:

• by phone 02 6282 3777;

• by mail to Hughes Community Centre, 2 Wisdom St Hughes ACT 2605; or

• by email to contact@cotaact.org.au.

ContentsGetting around by bus and light rail 1

What is MyWay? 2

Payment 2

Did you know? Lights on the card reader 3

Getting around by bus and light rail 4

Concessional and free travel 4

Concessional fares 4

Free travel 4

Free off peak travel 4

Planning your trip 5

NXTBUS 6

Park & Ride 6

What if I have a disability, vision impairment or mobility problem? 7

What can the driver to do help? 8

HELP! 8

Compliments and complaints 8

Community transport 9

I can’t catch the bus – what else is there? 9

ACT Community Bus Service 9

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bus 11

Flexible Bus Service 11

Other options 12

Taxi services 13

I need a wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT) 13

Taxi services available in Canberra 13

What can you expect from a Canberra taxi driver? 14

Safety, complaints and compliments 15

UBER 15

PkUp 16

Driving 17

Disability parking 17

Eligibility 17

Where can I park? 17

Transitioning from driving 18

Minimising driving 18

Other ways of getting around 19

Walking 19

Cycling 19

Personal mobility devices and scooters 20

And if you’re stuck at home? 20

How, where, why? 21

The bus takes too long and a taxi costs too much! 21

I want to go out at night – but what if I miss the last bus home? 21

I’d like to go out – but I don’t have anyone to go with 21

Canberra social clubs and associations 22

Travelling interstate 22

Buses 22

Buses to the airport 22

Planes 23

Trains 23

Useful numbers and websites 24

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Getting around by bus and light rail 1

Getting around by bus and light railTransport Canberra is the provider of public transport in the ACT, which includes Action buses and light rail.

Public transport services in Canberra include:

• Canberra Metro - A light rail system that provides a quick, direct way to travel between Civic and Gungahlin. In peak times, the light rail runs every six minutes with 13 stops along Northbourne Ave. and Flemington Rd.

• Rapid routes – Rapids are frequent direct bus and light rail routes that run between town centres and other key destinations. Rapids operate at least every 15 minutes on weekdays between 7am and 7pm, and frequently at other times. Rapid routes are numbered 1-10.

• Regular bus routes – Local bus services that are designed to get people to their town centre and other destinations in their area. Regular routes generally run every 20 to 30 minutes in peak times, and at least hourly during the day, on evenings and on weekends. Regular bus routes are numbered 18-81.

• Peak bus routes – Peak bus routes are designed to get passengers travelling longer distances to and from the City and Parliamentary Triangle during the commuter peak on weekdays. Peak routes are numbered in the 100’s.

• Culture loop shuttle bus - A free bus loop that connects Civic to Canberra’s cultural institutions.

• Holiday timetable – during some holiday periods, Transport Canberra routes may operate on a reduced timetable. Contact Transport Canberra for more information.

For further information:

• Check the website at transport.act.gov.au

• Call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10

Information in hardcopy may be available at Bus Stations and MyWay Recharge Agents.

2 Getting around by bus and light rail

What is MyWay?MyWay is the prepaid ticketing system for travel on buses and light rail in Canberra. The smartcard technology enables money value and/or travel entitlements to be stored on the card.

Dependent on your eligible concessions, your MyWay card can be purchased at a MyWay Recharge Agent or Access Canberra Service Centre.

Call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10 or go to transport.act.gov.au to find your nearest location.

PaymentHow do I pay?

You can pay on the bus with cash, or by tagging your MyWay card on the scanning machine. Remember to scan your card when you are getting on and off public transport as this makes travelling significantly cheaper.

If you want to catch the Light Rail, you can purchase a cash fare through a ticketing machine on the Light Rail platform, or by tagging your MyWay card on the scanning machine on the platform before boarding the light rail vehicle.

Where do I get a MyWay card?

If you are under 62 (or under 60 years from 1 July 2020), you can get a MyWay card from:

• the Transport Canberra website transport.act.gov.au,

• by calling Transport Canberra on 13 17 10,

• from an Access Canberra Service Centre or

• or from a MyWay Recharge Agent

If you’re 62 or over (or over 60 years from 1 July 2020) you may be eligible for a Seniors/MyWay Card – see Concessions below.

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Getting around by bus and light rail 3

If you are 70 or over and live in the ACT, travel on public transport is free. However, to travel for free you need a Seniors/MyWay Card – see Concessions below.

Remember: MyWay ticketing machines are located on board Action buses and on the platforms of light rail stops.

How do I put money on a MyWay card?

You can add money to your MyWay card (and Seniors/MyWay Card) by:

• Autoload – set up a direct debit from your bank account/credit card when the balance falls below $10. You can choose the top up amount.

• visiting a MyWay Recharge Agent or Access Canberra Service Centre.

• using a Ticket Vending Machine – at major bus stations and light rail platforms.

• going online to transport.act.gov.au and select Top up my MyWay from the Tickets & MyWay menu item.

• calling 13 17 10 and make payment with your Visa or Mastercard.

• BPAY – using the biller code and customer reference number on the front of your MyWay card.

Did you know? Lights on the card reader

Green = tap on success

Green + Yellow = tap on successful and card balance is below $10

Yellow = tap on successful, however as a result of failing to, or being unable to, tap off on your previous trip, a default fare has been applied

Red = card is either not valid, has expired, an error has occurred reading the card, or there is an insufficient balance

4 Getting around by bus and light rail

Concessional and free travelConcessional fares

You are entitled to concessional fares on ACT public transport if you hold:

• an ACT Seniors Card,

• a combined ACT Seniors/MyWay Card,

• an eligible student card,

• a Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card, or

• an Interstate Seniors Card.

If you are an ACT resident, aged 62 or over (or aged 60 or over on July 1st 2020), and work no more than 20 hours (paid) a week, you can get a combined Seniors/MyWay Card from:

• any ACT library,

• Access Canberra Service Centres, or

• the COTA ACT office in the Hughes Community Centre.

Free travel

Free travel on Action buses and light rail is available to:

• Seniors/MyWay cardholders aged over 70,

• Vision Impaired Travel Pass holders,

• DVA TPI Gold Card holders.

• holders of a Companion Card issued by the Community Services Directorate, and

• children aged 5 and under who are not attending school.

Free off peak travel

Free off peak travel is available to holders of:

• an ACT Seniors/MyWay card*,

• a Health Care Card issued by the Department of Human services,

• a Pension Card issued by the Department of Human services,

Getting around by bus and light rail

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Getting around by bus and light rail 5

• a DVA Gold Card, or

• Interstate Seniors Card.

To take advantage of free travel you just need to tap on and tap off the bus correctly using a MyWay card during the stated off peak periods. The free off peak travel does not apply to cash fares.

Off peak hours are between 9am and 4:30pm, and after 6pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays.

*In 2017, Transport Canberra began a trial of free off peak MyWay travel for Seniors/MyWay Card and concession card holders (excludes student and tertiary card holders).

Planning your tripRoute maps and timetables are available from the Transport Canberra website – transport.act.gov.au and Access Canberra Service Centres. You can also call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10 for information.

Transport Canberra’s Journey Planner is a useful online tool for getting around. You can choose from multiple journey modes including bus, light rail, bicycle and walking.

The Journey Planner gives information on times, connections and how much walking is involved.

You can use the Journey Planner by going to the Transport Canberra website – transport.act.gov.au.

Did you know? All bus stops in Canberra are numbered with a four digit number. The routes servicing any stop can be looked up on the website by stop number, or by calling Transport Canberra on 13 17 10

NXTBUSYou can see real time bus information on NXTBUS. All buses in Canberra are fitted with screens and audio systems that tell you where you are on the route, but you can also use NXTBUS to find out:

6 Getting around by bus and light rail

• which buses are passing your stop and when

• how far away (in minutes) your bus is right now

• whether the next bus is easy-access and/or fitted with bike racks

• what routes are departing your stop around a specified time

To find out more visit nxtbus.act.gov.au or call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10.

Park & RidePark & Ride is a Transport Canberra program that allows bus and light rail users to park a car in a designated car park/space and then use public transport to complete the journey.

Park & Ride facilities are available at selected group centres to allow easy connections with buses and light rail. Some Park & Ride facilities require a permit to park there.

To Park & Ride you need to:

• find your nearest Park and Ride location

• apply for a Park & Ride permit – if required

• check your MyWay card meets the Park & Ride conditions

Go to transport.act.gov.au and select the Public Transport Options under the About Us menu item or call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10.

To be eligible to use Park & Ride, you must hold a MyWay card that has:

• $90 or more travel credit (on a standard/adult MyWay card), or

• $40 or more travel credit (on a concession MyWay card – note, no balance is required for seniors over the age of 70 years), or

• an active autoload direct debit payment.

What if I have a disability, vision impairment or mobility problem?Action has a number of easy access buses for people with reduced mobility. Accessible routes are marked with an orange wheelchair on the online

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Getting around by bus and light rail 7

timetables (or you can call them on 13 17 10 to find out when an accessible bus will be at your stop).

Easy access buses have:

• an extendable ramp

• a wide front entrance

• space in the bus to accommodate wheelchairs or prams

Be aware that occasionally (because of unavoidable circumstances such as breakdowns) the accessible bus may not arrive as specified in the timetable. If you have a mobile phone you can use NXTBUS to check the actual bus departure time.

If you have a mobility issue, ask the driver to put down the ramp or lower the bus as needed. Unfortunately, because of work health and safety concerns the bus drivers are unable to help with shopping or equipment.

If you regularly need a wheelchair accessible bus on your route, you can contact Transport Canberra to register your request and they will try to oblige.

The light rail network, including stops and vehicles, is fully accessible. There are dedicated areas at stops and on board for mobility aid users, and red priority seating for people with mobility needs.

Transport Canberra has access to a range of other services to assist people to use their services. These include:

• Transport Canberra publications in an alternative format such as large print, braille or audio. (Call 13 17 10 for assistance).

• help with translating and interpreting if English is not your first language (call 13 14 50).

• access to the National Relay Service for people with a hearing or speech impairment. Call 133 677 (TTY users) or 1300 555 727 (speech to speech relay users) and then ask for 13 17 10.

• free bus passes are for the vision-impaired and an attendant. Assistance dogs are allowed on the Transport Canberra system.

8 Getting around by bus and light rail

• bus hailing kits for the vision impaired. These consist of a clear plastic pouch with three slots of numbered inserts. These display the required route number to drivers. They have large, raised print and braille. These are available from Vision Australia, Canberra Blind Society and Guide Dogs Australia, or call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10.

• seniors (as well as pregnant women and people with disabilities) have priority seating on buses and light rail. These are specially marked seats at the front of the passenger area.

What can the driver to do help?If you ask, a driver can let you know when your stop comes up, and may also be able to help you with other bus or light rail related advice. Do not get up while the bus or light rail vehicle is moving.

Transport Officers are available at major bus stations and some light rail platforms to help you with connections and give directions within the station.

HELP!If you need help or information about buses or light rail you can:

• call Transport Canberra about routes, timetables, services and accessibility on 13 17 10,

• ask your driver or staff members at a bus station,

• visit the Transport Canberra website at transport.act.gov.au.

Compliments and complaintsIf you have concerns or compliments, let Transport Canberra know, by calling 13 17 10 or go to their website transport.act.gov.au then click on the Contact Us tab up the top right of the page.

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Community transport 9

Community transport

I can’t catch the bus – what else is there?Community transport is available for people who are isolated due to lack of transport.

ACT Community Bus Service

The Community Bus Service is operated by the ACT’s regional community services. They provide flexible (usually door to door) transport for ACT residents who are eligible for Commonwealth funded aged care services, or who are isolated, have mobility problems, living with a disability, or have limited access to other transport options. This is not available if you live in an aged care facility or retirement village with transport provided. The vehicles used are either small buses or cars.

Transport is available for both medical and social purposes, but high demand and limited resources mean that services sometimes prioritise medical transport (visits to hospital, doctors) ahead of social transport needs. Transport is provided by paid drivers and by volunteers, often driving their own cars.

Many of the regional community service organisations organise social outings on a regular basis, as well as offering a range of other support services. You can always ask what is available. Trips are enjoyable and a good way to make new friends.

Contact your regional community service for an assessment and to register to use this service. They can provide you with details on how to make a booking, eligibility requirements, any associated costs and answer any further questions you may have.

10 Community transport

Belconnen Community Service Phone: 02 6278 8124 Email: transport@bcsact.com.au

Communities@Work Gungahlin Gungahlin, ACT, 2912 Phone: 02 6126 9090 Email: transport@commsatwork.org

Northside Community Service Phone: 02 6171 8000 Email: reception@northside.asn.au

Community Services #1 Phone: 02 6126 4700 Email: bus@sscs.org.au

Tuggeranong and Communities@Work Phone: 02 6293 6500 Email: transport@commsatwork.org

Woden Community Services Phone: 02 6181 2828 Email: transport@wcs.org.au

How much does it cost?

Some services ask for a gold coin donation, while others might have a set fee.

How far ahead do I have to book?

Some services require two to three weeks notice for bookings but some only need to be booked a day or two before the planned trip.

Contact your regional community service organisation to book.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bus

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander transport program provides opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to connect with their communities and culture in the ACT and surrounding regions.

This service is available to those who do not have access to regular bus. It operates Monday to Friday during business hours.

If you need transport in and around Canberra, make a booking for the bus to pick you up and drop you off by emailing your details to communitybus@act.gov.au or calling 6205 3555.

Flexible Bus Service

The Flexible Bus Service is an ACT Government initiative which provides free bus services to:

• Seniors Card holders aged 70 years and above,

• Seniors Card holders with mobility issues,

• people living in a nursing home and/or retirement village, and

• people with a disability or health problems.

The aim of the service is to increase mobility for people who cannot use regular public transport for reasons of physical or other limitations.

This service operates within a number of zones in Canberra. This includes services for people living in nursing homes and/or retirement villages.

The Flexible Bus Service operates weekdays (excluding public holidays) and is designed to pick people up from their homes, providing a return service to major shopping centres and medical appointments.

Services are provided between 9:30am and 12pm, and between 1pm to1:30pm. The Flexible Bus Service includes a fleet of wheelchair accessible minibuses with low steps and an electronic booking system.

Some travel may be determined on a case by case basis.

Group bookings are also available within zones.

12 Community transport

Bookings should be made two days in advance by contacting Service on 02 6205 3555. Booking office hours are 9am-4pm Monday to Friday with an answering machine after hours.

Other options

Some organisations that provide home support to older people also provide transport for any purpose privately on a fee-for-service basis. These include:

Just Better Care: 02 6280 4070

IRT Home Care: 134 478

Kincare: 1300 702 319

Wellways Australia: 1300 111 400

Community Options: 02 6295 8800

Life Without Barriers: 02 6213 1600

Mercy In Home and Community Care: 1300 478 776

Southern Cross Care: 1800 870 426

Uniting: 1800 864 846

Goodwin: 02 6175 5650

You will need to contact the service directly to enquire about their rates, eligibility and booking requirements.

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Taxi services

I need a wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT)To book a wheelchair accessible taxi, ring the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) Centralised Booking Service, 13WATS (13 92 87).

Taxi services available in CanberraCanberra Elite

• Phone 13 22 27 or SMS your name, pick up address and time to be collected to 0417 672 773.

• You can ask at the time of booking to be sent an SMS on your mobile phone to advise that a taxi has been dispatched, and when it is about to arrive (usually, about 1km from your point of departure).

• The service uses an automated voice recognition system.

Cabxpress

• Phone 02 6181 2700 for standard bookings

• A real person (rather than a voice recognition system) will take your booking.

ACT Cabs

• Phone 02 6280 0077 for standard bookings

Silver Service

• Phone 13 31 00

• This service advertises accredited silver standards (including enhanced driver training), and guaranteed delivery times for bookings. The rates are the same as for other taxi services, but an additional booking fee applies.

• A real person (rather than a voice recognition system) will take your booking.

14 Taxi services

Cost

Taxis can be an expensive form of transport but there are a few ways to reduce the cost.

If you share your taxi with one or more other people, the cost per person should be reduced (check with your taxi company at time of booking).

Only pay the driver the metered fare at the end of hiring. The only additional charge you can be asked to pay is a $4.20 airport rank fee for journeys starting at the airport.

Taxi Subsidy Scheme

The ACT Government Taxi Subsidy Scheme provides a discount for permanent residents of the ACT who, due to a severe activity limitation, can’t use public or community transport. Depending on the extent of your mobility limitation, you may receive either a 50% or 75% subsidy. The Scheme only applies the discount on fares up to a certain amount. If your fare is more than this amount, the additional cost will not be discounted.

You can find information and application forms on the ACT Government Assistance website at assistance.act.gov.au – click on Transport and Registration and then you can scroll down to see the link for Taxi Subsidy Scheme. Or you can call 02 6207 0028 (select option 5, sub option 1 – taxi subsidy). The form has to be filled out by an authorised medical practitioner.

What can you expect from a Canberra taxi driver?

Canberra’s taxi drivers are required by law to meet certain standards (under the ACT Road Transport (Public Passenger Services) Regulations 2002). These include treating you with respect, courtesy and providing reasonable assistance with luggage (up to a certain weight).

Drivers are not allowed to refuse a hiring except under limited conditions (for instance if the passenger is drunk, dirty, doesn’t have the taxi fare, or wants to go outside the ACT taxi region). If a driver does refuse passage, you can report the incident (see below).

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Safety, complaints and compliments

In general, taxis in Canberra are very safe. However, there are some ways to feel more secure when using taxis, or if you wish to make a complaint:

• Every taxi MUST have the taxi driver’s photo and number clearly displayed on the dashboard. You can note the number of the driver and make a complaint later.

• Try to remember as much information as you can – for example, the taxi number and the date and time of the hiring - as this will help in following up your complaint.

TIP: Some taxi drivers offer their phone number so that people can ring them directly to book a trip. If you find a driver you like, this can be very convenient – but be aware that there may be risks in being ‘off the system’.

Taxis booked by phone or internet will have a record of your booking with the taxi company. This will make a complaint easier to follow up. To make a complaint, contact the taxi network that undertook the hiring OR call Access Canberra on 13 22 81. They can follow up on complaints on your behalf. It is possible to remain anonymous.

UBERUber is smartphone application (app) that enables you to book a ride with a driver in their own personal vehicle. It is often, but not always, cheaper than a taxi, and can also accommodate people with disabilities (with the UberASSIST product).

To use Uber you need a smartphone and a credit card (no cash accepted).

If you want to try Uber but don’t know how, you can visit the Uber website at help.uber.com.

At the time of publication Uber does not accept taxi subsidy scheme cards.

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SheBahSheBah is a rideshare service for women and children. Drivers are women and passengers must be women and children (male children up to 18 years are accepted).

Like Uber, SheBah operates through a smartphone application, so you will need a smartphone and credit card use the service.

You can find out more information online at shebah.com.au/ride.

PkUpPkUp is a service where a team of drivers will drive your car home. Booking a PKUP driver means you can travel in the comfort of your own car. One driver will drive your car, and the other the PKUP car to transport the driver of your car once they have dropped you and your car off. PKUP is usually more expensive than using a rideshare service.

You could use PKUP, for example – if you have a procedure at the doctors or hospital and are not able to drive your car home afterwards, or if you go out to dinner and have a few more drinks than anticipated.

You can get a quote by going online to pkup.com.au or calling 0449 985 103.

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Disability parkingEligibility

If you have a disability which makes it difficult for you to walk from your car to a destination, you may be eligible to get a disability parking permit (also known as a Mobility Parking permit). There is no fee for this permit.

To apply, or to check your eligibility, you can go online to accesscanberra.act.gov.au and click Transport, then Parking, then Parking permits. You can also call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

Applications must be assessed by a medical practitioner or specialist eye doctor and then lodged with Access Canberra.

You can find the location of disability parking in Canberra on the Access Canberra website: accesscanberra.act.gov.au and then select Transport, then Parking and then Disability parking map from the menu.

Where can I park?

Within the ACT, a mobility parking permit allows a person to park in the special wide bays reserved for mobility parking permit holders.

Mobility parking permit holders can also park free of charge in ticket parking areas, ACT Government operated car parks and on-street parking spaces that are free, but time restricted:

• for up to two hours, if the time limit on the parking sign is 30 minutes or less; and,

• for an unlimited time, if the time limit on the parking sign is more than 30 minutes.

Some privately operated car parks may charge parking fees.

Mobility parking permits do not allow the holder of the permit to park within specific specialised parking spaces such as loading zones, medical practitioners or bus stops.

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Mobility parking permits are valid for use by the person to whom they are issued and no other. If you as the holder of the permit are not travelling in the vehicle it is an offence for any other person to display and use the permit. If you are not travelling in the vehicle it would be advisable to keep the permit with you to avoid possible misuse. You should also advise anyone else who may drive the vehicle in question of this.

Transitioning from drivingThere may come a time when you want to minimise your driving, drive only during the day or within your local area, or even consider stopping driving altogether. Sometimes you can be forced to stop driving unexpectedly, for instance, you might get sick, have a crash or be advised to give up your driver’s licence.

If you are unsure about your driving ability, consider getting an assessment of your driving skills from a trained assessor, or booking a few sessions with an accredited Older Driver Refresher Trainer.

Senior lessons start from $65 for 60 minutes.

You can book with the NRMA Safer Driving School on 1300 561 046 or online at nrmasaferdriving.com.au.

To find out about other help that may be available, call COTA ACT on 02 6282 3777.

It is hard at any age to be objective about your own driving ability. If there are problems, your assessor or GP might be able to work out how to address them so you can keep driving. Think about what you would do if you couldn’t drive. Investigate your options and learn to use public transport before you need to stop driving.

Minimising drivingIf you want to drive less, consider using buses and your car in combination. You could drive to the local shops or bus stop, leave the car parked, and catch a bus to your destination. Or you could use Transport Canberra’s Park & Ride facilities (and pay less for parking).

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Other ways of getting around

WalkingWhen moving house it is worth thinking about the walking distance to the local shops and bus stops. The Walkscore website at walkscore.com/AU-ACT/Canberra gives information about the walkability and accessibility of different neighbourhoods.

If the condition of footpaths, or obstructions, make it hard to get around in your area, you can report it online through the Fix My Street (on the Access Canberra website) or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

If you want to walk for fitness or pleasure, there are many walking groups in the ACT including Walking for Pleasure (0400 458 758), the Heart Foundation Walking (13 11 12), CanWalk (canwalk.org.au) – or pick up a brochure from COTA ACT (02 6282 3777).

CyclingOver 80% of Action buses are equipped with bike racks to combine bus and bike travel. The ACT Government also provides free bike cages, bike lockers and bike rails at bike and ride locations so you can lock your bike up and continue by bus. To find out more, check the Transport Canberra website or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

There are also electric bikes on the market, which can make cycling more appealing for some. Pedal Power ACT (02 6248 7995) can provide advice and suggestions. They also have courses for older cyclists.

Personal mobility devices and scootersYou can drive a scooter anywhere a pedestrian is allowed to go (not on busy roads!). If they meet certain specifications, you can also take them on an accessible bus. Some smaller scooters can travel in a large Wheelchair Accessible Taxi, although you have to transfer to a seat. If you require advice or assistance in choosing relevant products or services for your needs, you can contact the Independent Living Centres Advisory Service

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on 1300 885 886. Equipment trials and assessments with Occupational Therapists and suppliers are available by appointment at the Village Creek Centre (run by ACT Health) by calling the Community Health Intake (CHI) on 02 5124 9977.

And if you’re stuck at home?If you have access to the internet, you can shop online at the major supermarkets and have your groceries delivered to your door. Some local supermarkets provide free delivery. Online pharmacies will also deliver. Some medical practitioners provide home visits, and CALMS (1300 422 567) or the (privately operated) National Home Doctor Service on 13 74 25 (13 SICK) provide after hours visits.

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How, where, why? 21

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How, where, why?Even with all the information, it can be hard getting where you want to go in Canberra using public transport. And even when you know how to go, you might still be left wondering where to go.

Here are some suggestions about how you could combine public transport methods to get around more easily, and why you might want to make the effort.

The bus takes too long and a taxi costs too much!Try combining to two. For instance you could get a taxi from your home to a bus station, then catch one of the frequent buses between bus stations.

TIP: it can be easier to get a taxi if you book, as it’s sometimes hard to find one at a bus station (and drivers will sometimes not accept passengers for short trips, although this is not legal). It’s best to book a pick up from a location other than a taxi rank, to minimise confusion. See page 15 of this booklet.

I want to go out at night – but what if I miss the last bus home?Catch a bus to your destination and book a taxi with your friends to get home. If people share a taxi and are dropped off at several locations, this is considered a multi hire and each passenger is required to pay what is on the meter at their destination. However, the fare rate for this type of hiring is lower than a single fare.

I’d like to go out – but I don’t have anyone to go withThere are many organisations in Canberra that bring over-50s together for social and educational activities. You can contact COTA ACT on 02 6282 3777 or check the ACT Government’s list at seniors.act.gov.au (Recreations and Clubs).

22 How, where, why?22 How, where, why?

The National Companion Card Scheme enables eligible people with lifelong disability to bring a companion to events or activities (with an affiliated organisation) without having to pay for a second ticket. For more information about this, visit companioncard.gov.au.

Canberra social clubs and associationsIf you are looking for something to do but you don’t have your own transport try any of the Regional Community Services organisations or associations such as a ‘seniors club’ (there’s usually one in most town centres), Probus, Men’s Sheds, or the University of the Third Age (U3A). Some of these organisations can help with transport to events and activities.

Many Canberra social clubs organise group trips for members. If you would like to get out with a group, you can look one up on the Community Services Directorates’ ACT Seniors Directory website or call COTA ACT on 02 6282 3777 for a brochure.

Travelling interstateBuses

Murrays and Greyhound Pioneer run bus services to Sydney and other locations interstate. They offer concessional fares to people with a Seniors Card, and may offer other discounts.

• Murrays, at murrays.com.au, phone 13 22 51

• Greyhound Australia, at greyhound.com.au, phone 1300 473 946

Qcity Transit connects Canberra and Queanbeyan. For more information, visit qcitytransit.com.au or call 02 6299 3722.

Buses to the airport

Transport Canberra runs regular bus services between the Canberra Airport terminal and city bus station, seven days a week.

Route 11 services the Canberra Airport terminal as well as Brindabella Business Park and Fairbairn on weekdays, while 11A services only the Canberra Airport terminal seven days a week.

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You can find out the timetable by visiting the Transport Canberra website on transport.act.gov.au or call 13 17 10.

Planes

Canberra Airport services the city of Canberra, Queanbeyan and the surrounding region of south-eastern NSW. It is located 8km and a 15 minute drive from the city and is serviced by taxis, buses, ride share services, car rentals and chauffeur drivers.

If you need special assistance for travelling visit the Canberra airport website canberraairport.com.au or call 02 6275 2226.

Trains

Train services to Sydney leave from Kingston Railway Station three times each day. Seniors card holders and pensioners can travel on the train for half the ordinary adult fare.

For more information, call NSW Trainlink on 13 22 32 or visit nswtrainlink.info.

With a Country Pensioner Excursion ticket, you can travel in regional and rural NSW and the ACT for $2.50 one way, subject to conditions. Pensioner Concession card holders are also entitled to four free travel vouchers per year – more information from Trainlink nswtrainlink.info.

Tip: Trainlink also offer a Meet and Assist service. If you need some help on the train or at a station (eg Central in Sydney) you should ask about this service when you book your ticket. If you require assistance in Melbourne contact Travellers Aid on 03 9654 2600.

Seniors travelling to NSW can apply for a Gold Opal card if they hold a valid ACT Seniors Card. This will cap fares at $2.50 per day for buses, trains, ferries and light rail throughout much of NSW. Complete the application form at opal.com.au or call 13 67 25. You will need to apply at least two weeks prior to travel.

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Useful numbers and websites

Transport CanberraFor information about getting around in Canberra on public transport.

Phone 13 17 10

Website transport.act.gov.au

Access CanberraStaff will be able to answer queries, make a referral or put you through to the right person in the ACT Government.

Phone 13 22 81

Website accesscanberra.act.gov.au

MyWayFor information on ticketing on public transport, including transfer of funds between MyWay cards

Phone 02 6207 7711

Seniors Information ServiceInformation and referral service for Canberra seniors. Get information and advice on a range of topics – if we don’t know the answer we will find out for you.

Phone 02 6282 3777 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, closed public holidays)

CONTACT CanberraStaff can provide information and referrals on a wide range of services and concerns.

Phone 02 6251 4060

Website contactcanberra.org.au

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MyAgedCareMyAgedCare is the start point to access Australian Government Services. MyAgedCare can help you find out about:

The types of aged care services available (including help in your home)

• Your eligibility for services

• Service providers in your area

• Costs you may need to pay

• Quality in aged care

• Advocacy services

• How to make a complaint

Phone 1800 200 422

Website myagedcare.gov.au

National Toilet MapYou can find a map showing the location of all Canberra’s public toilets at toiletmap.gov.au

Notes

A Guide

2020

to getting around

edition

in Canberra

A guideto getting around

in Canberra

A Guide

2020

to getting around

edition

in Canberra

ACT Seniors Information ServiceCall 6282 3777 for information on:

• Housing options

• ACT Seniors Card scheme

• Government and community services

• Information resources

• Services for older people and their carers

• Social groups

• Support groups

• and much more.

Email contact@cotaact.org.au

Website cotaact.org.au