Connecting our communities

Information update December 2017

Getting around without a car Road safety and Medical Review

This information update How do l decide if it is safe Where can l buy a ? explains alternative to continue driving? ∞∞ Online at ptv.vic.gov.au. You may need to make the decision ∞∞ By calling Public Transport mobility and transport to reduce or stop driving. This could on 1800 800 007. be due to: options as well as ∞∞ At the ticket window at Premium services available for ∞∞ a medical or eyesight condition Stations (stations that are staffed that affects ability to drive safely and have a customer service centre, people who do not drive. ∞∞ advice from family, friends, doctor e.g. Flinders Street, Southern Cross). or other health professionals ∞∞ Selected retailers where you see ∞∞ feeling that driving is becoming a myki sign. difficult or stressful Am l eligible for discounts ∞∞ failing an on-road driving test. on public transport? How do l get around without Many people are eligible for a discount a car? (concession fare) to travel on public transport. If you are over 60 and don’t The key to making the transition to a work full time, you may be eligible non-driving lifestyle is good planning to for the Victorian Seniors Card which suit your individual needs. It is important gives you discounted public transport. to be informed about alternative transport Visit the Seniors Card website options and what community services are seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/seniors-card. available locally to help you maintain your mobility and quality of life. For more information about concession fares on public transport contact What are my alternative Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or visit ptv.vic.gov.au. transport options? The Victorian public transport system What public transport options of trains, trams and buses can get you to most places efficiently. Public transport are available in regional Victoria? in metropolitan is often V/line trains and coaches can take you accessible and can be cheaper than to all areas of Victoria. owning a car and driving. ∞∞ For regional timetable information ∞∞ To plan your journey and view timetable or to make a booking visit the V/Line information check the Public Transport website vline.com.au or call V/Line Victoria website ptv.vic.gov.au or call on 1800 800 007. 1800 800 007 from 6am to midnight daily (all night Friday and Saturday). ∞∞ If you are new to public transport you will need to purchase a myki. This reusable travel card is for trains, trams and buses in Melbourne and regional Victorian centres. DEDJTR11119/14 VRPIN2012 04.18 Authorised and published by VicRoads 60 Denmark Street Kew Victoria 3101. Kew Authorised and published by VicRoads 60 Denmark Street VRPIN2012 04.18 DEDJTR11119/14 What help is available to support What if l have difficulty walking? What services can l access me to travel independently? ∞∞ You may be able to improve walking from home? The Travellers Aid Access Service (TAAS) safety by using different aids like The commonwealth funded Home is a free service that promotes walking sticks and frames. and Community Care Program (HACC) independence and inclusion by assisting ∞∞ People who are unable to walk provides services to assist people to seniors or travellers with a disability with or have difficulty walking distances remain in the community. This includes their personal care and mobility needs. are legally allowed to use a motorised assistance with transport. For more TAAS is available at: mobility device in the community. information free call 1800 200 422 or visit the Department of Health website ∞∞ Flinders Street Station from Sunday ∞∞ You will need to seek advice from agedcare.health.gov.au. to Thursday 8am - 8pm and Friday your doctor and ask for a referral to Saturday 8am - 10pm. to a physiotherapist or occupational What should l do with my car ∞∞ Southern Cross Station from Monday therapist (OT). An OT will assess if I’m no longer able to drive? to Friday 11am - 5pm and Saturday your ability to use a motorised to Sunday 11am - 4pm. mobility device. ∞∞ If you decide to sell your car you can advertise your vehicle using For more information visit the Travellers ∞∞ The Independent Living Centre online car selling websites. Aid website travellersaid.org.au or call provides free, independent advice (03) 9654 2600. to help you choose a mobility device. ∞∞ For information about your rights Call Yoralla on (03) 9362 6111 or visit when selling a car, check the the Yoralla website yoralla.com.au. Consumer Affairs Victoria website What taxi services are available? consumer.vic.gov.au There are a variety of taxi companies, Cycling/tricycles or call Consumer Affairs Victoria including Uber, that operate throughout ∞∞ If you have previously cycled, you on 1300 55 81 81. metropolitan Melbourne and regional could consider using a bicycle as Victoria. ∞∞ If you decide to keep your car for a way of getting around. others to use, it must be registered ∞∞ To book a Melbourne metropolitan ∞∞ You should seek advice from your and insured. taxi call 13CABS on 132 227. doctor or physiotherapist who can ∞∞ To find the number for your local assess your ability to use a bicycle/ What other supports are available taxi service check the Taxi Services tricycle safely. to me? Commission website for details ∞∞ If you are interested in taking up Contact your doctor to discuss what taxi.vic.gov.au/passengers/taxi- cycling, you could begin by joining counselling and other support services passengers/catching-a-taxi/taxi- a local bike club to learn new skills, are available to meet your individual needs. companies. visit bicyclenetwork.com.au. ∞∞ Talk to your doctor to see whether ∞∞ For cycling safety tips visit the VicRoads More information is available: you qualify for reduced taxi fares. website .vic.gov.au. ∞∞ About alternative transport options ∞∞ Check whether you are eligible to and for help planning your travel, call obtain discounts via the Multi-purpose How about travelling with friends, the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria taxi program, details are available neighbours or family? (RACV) on 13 72 28. at taxi.vic.gov.au/passengers/mptp. Travelling with friends, neighbours and ∞∞ Or download the Transport options family can be an easy way to get around for seniors brochure from the RACV What if l prefer to walk or cycle? if you do not drive. You could join them website racv.com.au. Walking on regular trips they make to local shops. ∞∞ Walking is a form of moderate physical activity that has great health benefits. What community transport is available? ∞∞ Think about how you can mix walking with other means of transport, such Many Victorian councils and local as walking to the bus, tram stop organisations offer community transport or railway station. schemes using buses or cars, providing low cost and flexible transport. Some ∞∞ For pedestrian safety tips visit the councils provide accessible buses for VicRoads website vicroads.vic.gov.au. wheelchair and mobility scooter users. For more information on community transport options in your area contact your local council.