ACT Seniors Information Service

Call 6282 3777 for information on: • Housing options A guide • ACT ASeniors Card schemeGuide A Guide • Government and community services to getting• Information resources around toto gettinggetting around around • Services for older people and their carers • Social groups • Support groupsin Canberra in Canberra • and much more. in Canberra

Email [email protected] Website cotaact.org.au

2020 edition 2020 edition A guide to getting around Canberra This 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 [email protected]. Contents

Getting around by bus and light rail 1 Safety, complaints and compliments 15 What is MyWay? 2 UBER 15 Payment 2 PkUp 16

Did you know? Lights on the Driving 17 card reader 3 Disability parking 17 Getting around by bus and light rail 4 Eligibility 17 Concessional and free travel 4 Where can I park? 17 Concessional fares 4 Transitioning from driving 18 Free travel 4 Minimising driving 18 Free off peak travel 4 Planning your trip 5 Other ways of getting around 19 NXTBUS 6 Walking 19 Park & Ride 6 Cycling 19 What if I have a disability, vision Personal mobility devices impairment or mobility problem? 7 and scooters 20 What can the driver to do help? 8 And if you’re stuck at home? 20 HELP! 8 How, where, why? 21 Compliments and complaints 8 The bus takes too long and a taxi Community transport 9 costs too much! 21 I can’t catch the bus – what else I want to go out at night – but is there? 9 what if I miss the last bus home? 21 ACT Community Bus Service 9 I’d like to go out – but I don’t Aboriginal and Torres Strait have anyone to go with 21 Islander Bus 11 Canberra social clubs Flexible Bus Service 11 and associations 22 Other options 12 Travelling interstate 22 Taxi services 13 Buses 22 I need a wheelchair accessible Buses to the airport 22 taxi (WAT) 13 Planes 23 Taxi services available in Canberra 13 Trains 23 What can you expect from a Canberra taxi driver? 14 Useful numbers and websites 24 By Bidgee, CC BY-SA 3.0 au, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84480878

Public transport services inCanberrainclude: services Public transport includes Actionbusesandlightrail. Transport intheACT, Canberraistheproviderofpublictransport which rail by light around and bus Getting Recharge Agents. Information inhardcopymay beavailableat Bus andMyWay Stations For information: further • • • • • • • • Call Transport Canberraon Check thewebsiteat for moreinformation. routes may operateonareducedtimetable. ContactTransport Canberra Holiday timetable Canberra’s culturalinstitutions. Culture loopshuttlebus numbered inthe100’s. Triangle duringthecommuterpeakonweekdays. Peak routesare travelling longerdistancestoandfromtheCityParliamentary Peak busroutes numbered 18-81. during theday, oneveningsandweekends. Regular busroutesare 20to30minutesinpeaktimes,andatleasthourly generally runevery to theirtowncentreandotherdestinationsinarea. Regularroutes busroutes Regular frequently atothertimes. Rapidroutesarenumbered1-10. 15minutesonweekdays between7amand7pm, at leastevery run betweentowncentresandotherkeydestinations. Rapidsoperate Rapid routes Flemington Rd. Ave. sixminuteswith13stopsalongNorthbourne runs every and to travelbetweenCivicandGungahlin. Inpeaktimes,thelightrail Canberra Metro –Rapidsarefrequentdirectbusandlightrailroutesthat -Alightrailsystemthatprovidesaquick,directway –Peak busroutesaredesignedtogetpassengers –duringsomeholiday periods,Transport Canberra – Local bus services thataredesignedtogetpeople –Localbusservices Getting around bybus and lightrail transport.act.gov.au -AfreebusloopthatconnectsCivicto 13 1710

1 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.

Payment How 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.

2 Getting around by bus and light rail

You canaddmoneytoyourMyWay card(andSeniors/MyWay Card)by: How doIputmoneyonaMyWay card? Concessions below. free. However, totravelforfreeyouneedaSeniors/MyWay Card–see If youare70oroverandliveintheACT, is travelonpublictransport • • • • • • and ontheplatformsoflightrailstops. Remember: MyWay ticketingmachines onboardActionbuses arelocated Did you know? Lights on the card reader of yourMyWay card. BPAY –usingthebillercodeandcustomerreferencenumberonfront calling the Tickets&MyWay menuitem. going onlineto platforms. using aTicketVending Machine–atmajorbusstationsandlightrail visiting aMyWay Centre. RechargeAgentorAccessCanberraService the balancefallsbelow$10. You canchoosethetopupamount. Autoload –setupadirectdebitfromyourbankaccount/creditcardwhen Green Yellow Green Red 13 1710 +

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3 Bus and light rail Getting around by bus and light rail

Concessional and free travel Concessional 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,

4 Getting around by bus and light rail

Seniors/MyWay Cardandconcession holders(excludes card studentand *In 2017,Transport CanberrabeganatrialoffreeoffpeakMyWay travelfor and allday onweekendsandpublicholidays. 6pmonweekdays,Off peakhoursarebetween9amand4:30pm,after peak traveldoesnotapplytocashfares. correctly usingaMyWay cardduringthestatedoffpeakperiods. Thefreeoff To takeadvantageoffreetravelyoujustneedtotaponandoffthebus but youcanalso useNXTBUS tofindout: fitted withscreensandaudio systemsthattellyouwhereareontheroute, You canseereal timebusinformationonNXTBUS. AllbusesinCanberra are NXTBUS – You canusetheJourney PlannerbygoingtotheTransport Canberrawebsite walking isinvolved. The Journey Plannergivesinformation ontimes,connectionsandhowmuch bicycle andwalking. around. You canchoosefrommultiplejourneymodesincludingbus,lightrail, Transport Canberra’sJourney Plannerisausefulonlinetoolforgetting call Transport Canberraon – Route mapsandtimetablesareavailablefromtheTransport Canberrawebsite trip your Planning holders). card tertiary • • stop number, Transport orbycalling Canberraon number. belookeduponthe websiteby anystopcan Theroutes servicing Did youknow?AllbusstopsinCanberraarenumbered with afourdigit transport.act.gov.au transport.act.gov.au Interstate SeniorsCard. a DVA GoldCard,or . Centres. andAccessCanberraService You canalso Getting around bybus and lightrail 13 1710 forinformation. 13 1710

5 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 visitnxtbus.act.gov.au or call Transport Canberra on 13 17 10.

Park & Ride Park & 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

6 Getting around by bus and light rail

Easy accessbuseshave: bus willbeatyourstop). timetables (oryoucancallthemon use theirservices. Theseinclude: Transport toassistpeople Canberrahasaccesstoarangeofotherservices priority seatingforpeoplewithmobilityneeds. are dedicatedareasatstopsandonboardformobilityaidusers,red The lightrailnetwork,includingstopsandvehicles,isfullyaccessible. There contact Transport tooblige. Canberratoregisteryourrequestandtheywill try If youregularlyneedawheelchairaccessiblebusonyourroute,can the busdriversareunabletohelpwithshoppingorequipment. bus asneeded. Unfortunately,becauseofworkhealthandsafetyconcerns If youhaveamobilityissue,askthedrivertoputdownramporlower • • • • • • • actual busdeparturetime. timetable. useNXTBUS Ifyouhaveamobilephonecan tocheckthe as breakdowns)theaccessible busmay notarriveas specifiedinthe ofunavoidablecircumstancesBe awarethatoccasionally (because such dogs areallowedontheTransport Canberrasystem. free buspassesareforthevision-impaired andanattendant. Assistance speech relay users)and thenaskfor impairment. Call forpeoplewithahearingorspeech access totheNationalRelay Service (call help withtranslatingandinterpretingifEnglishisnotyour firstlanguage print, brailleoraudio. (Call Transport Canberrapublicationsinanalternativeformatsuchaslarge space inthebustoaccommodatewheelchairsorprams a widefrontentrance an extendableramp 13 1450 ). ). 133 677 Getting around bybus and lightrail (TTYusers)or 13 1710 13 1710 forassistance). 13 1710 tofindoutwhenanaccessible 1300 555727 .

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7 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 complaints If 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.

8 Getting around by bus and light rail

services. for Theyprovideflexible(usuallydoortodoor)transport ACT isoperatedbytheACT’sThe CommunityBus regionalcommunity Service ACT Bus Community Service transport. isavailableforpeoplewhoareisolatedduetolackof Community transport I can’t catch the bus –what else is there? transport Community questions youmay have. booking, eligibilityrequirements,anyassociatedcosts and answeranyfurther to usethisservice. Theycanprovideyouwithdetails onhowtomakea for anassessmentandtoregister Contact yourregionalcommunityservice new friends. can always askwhatisavailable. Trips areenjoyable andagoodway tomake services.on aregularbasis,aswellofferingrangeofother support You organisations organisesocialoutings Many oftheregionalcommunityservice own cars. Transport drivingtheir isprovidedbypaiddriversandvolunteers,often needs. (visitstohospital,doctors)aheadofsocialtransport transport sometimesprioritisemedical and limitedresourcesmeanthatservices Transport isavailableforbothmedicalandsocialpurposes,but highdemand used areeithersmallbusesorcars. provided.aged carefacilityorretirementvillagewithtransport Thevehicles options.limited accesstoothertransport Thisisnotavailableifyouliveinan or whoareisolated,havemobilityproblems,livingwithadisability, residents whoareeligibleforCommonwealthfundedagedcareservices, Community transport

9 Community transport Belconnen Community Service Phone: 02 6278 8124 Email: [email protected] Communities@Work Gungahlin Gungahlin, ACT, 2912 Phone: 02 6126 9090 Email: [email protected] Northside Community Service Phone: 02 6171 8000 Email: [email protected] Community Services #1 Phone: 02 6126 4700 Email: [email protected] Tuggeranong and Communities@Work Phone: 02 6293 6500 Email: [email protected] Woden Community Services Phone: 02 6181 2828 Email: [email protected]

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.

10 Community transport

[email protected] the bustopickyouupanddropoffbyemailingyourdetails inandaroundCanberra,makeabookingfor If youneedtransport operates Monday toFriday duringbusinesshours. isavailabletothosewhodonothaveaccessregular bus.This service It communities andcultureintheACT andsurroundingregions. forAboriginal andTorresopportunities Islanderstoconnectwiththeir Strait The AboriginalandTorres programprovides Islandertransport Strait Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Bus Group bookingsarealsoavailable withinzones. travelmaySome bedeterminedonacaseby basis. minibuses withlowstepsand anelectronicbookingsystem. to1:30pm. TheFlexible includesafleetofwheelchairaccessible Bus Service areprovidedbetween9:30amand12pm,1pm Services major shoppingcentresandmedicalappointments. to is designedtopickpeopleupfromtheirhomes,providing areturnservice The Flexible operates weekdays Bus (excludingpublicholidays) Service and forpeoplelivinginnursinghomesand/orretirementvillages.services operateswithinanumberofzonesinCanberra.This service Thisincludes forreasonsofphysicalorotherlimitations.regular publictransport istoincreasemobilityforpeoplewhocannotuse The aimoftheservice to: bus services The Flexible isanACT Bus Governmentinitiativewhichprovidesfree Service Flexible Bus Service • • • • people withadisabilityorhealthproblems. people livinginanursinghomeand/orretirementvillage,and Seniors Cardholderswithmobilityissues, Seniors Cardholdersaged70yearsandabove, orcalling Community transport 6205 3555 .

11 Community transport photo © ACT Government photo © ACT

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.

12 Community transport

Canberra Elite Canberra in available Taxi services (WAT) CentralisedBooking Service, To bookawheelchairaccessibletaxi,ringtheWheelchairAccessibleTaxi I need awheelchair accessible(WAT) taxi Taxi services Silver Service ACT Cabs Cabxpress • • • • • • • • • booking. A realperson(ratherthana voicerecognitionsystem)willtakeyour butanadditional bookingfeeapplies.the sameasforothertaxiservices, times forbookings.driver training),andguaranteeddelivery Theratesare accreditedsilverstandards (includingenhanced advertises This service Phone Phone booking. A realperson(ratherthanavoicerecognitionsystem)willtakeyour Phone usesanautomatedvoicerecognitionsystem. The service arrive (usually,about1kmfromyourpointofdeparture). phone toadvisethatataxihasbeendispatched,andwhenitisabout You canaskatthetimeofbookingtobesentanSMSonyourmobile collected to Phone 13 3100 02 62800077 02 61812700 13 2227 0417 672773 orSMSyourname,pickupaddressandtimetobe forstandardbookings forstandardbookings . Taxi services 13WATS (139287) 13 .

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).

14 Taxi services

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Taxi services SheBah SheBah 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 atshebah.com.au/ride .

PkUp PkUp 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. photo © sportzphotos, flickr.com 16 Taxi services Driving Driving

Disability parking Eligibility 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.

Driving 17 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 driving There 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 driving If 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).

18 Driving Other ways of getting around

Walking When 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 Other of getting around ways 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).

Cycling Over 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 scooters You 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

Other ways of getting around 19 photo © Tim, flickr.com

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.

20 Other ways of getting around 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. when, why? How, 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 with There 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).

How, where, why? 21 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 associations If 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 interstate Buses 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.

22 How, where, why? 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 when, why? How, 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.

How, where, why? 23 Useful numbers and websites

Transport Canberra For information about getting around in Canberra on public transport. Phone 13 17 10 Website transport.act.gov.au

Access Canberra Staff 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

MyWay For information on ticketing on public transport, including transfer of funds between MyWay cards Phone 02 6207 7711

Seniors Information Service Information 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 Canberra Staff can provide information and referrals on a wide range of services and concerns. Phone 02 6251 4060 Website contactcanberra.org.au

24 Useful numbers and websites MyAgedCare MyAgedCare 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 numbers and websites Useful • Advocacy services • How to make a complaint

Phone 1800 200 422 Website myagedcare.gov.au

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

Useful numbers and websites 25 Notes

ACT Seniors Information Service

Call 6282 3777 for information on: • Housing options A guide • ACT ASeniors Card schemeGuide A Guide • Government and community services to getting• Information resources around toto gettinggetting around around • Services for older people and their carers • Social groups • Support groupsin Canberra in Canberra • and much more. in Canberra

Email [email protected] Website cotaact.org.au

2020 edition 2020 edition