Community Transport
 To help address the needs of people with limited transport, this section explains community, medical and other transport options.
Introduction
People with mobility challenges often find it difficult to walk to a bus stop or a station. Things are even harder for people who live in areas where there are gaps in public transport services.
Community transport services can help to fill some of these gaps in the public transport system, meeting the need for door-to-door service. Medical transport is another option for people with ‘essential’ or specialist medical needs.
What community transport is available?
Community transport is managed locally, so services vary between regions. More information on services and is provided below. To find out what community transport is available in your area contact your local council  , community health centre or browse the online directories listed below.
Services
Some form of community transport operates in most areas of Victoria. There is no statewide governance of this sector. Instead, municipal councils operate most services, complemented in some areas by transport from community health services, and groups such as Lions Club, Rotary etc.
Services range from door-to-door car transport, through to scheduled community mini-bus trips. Because community transport is managed locally, services are often restricted to municipal boundaries and vary enormously between regions.
Depending on your eligibility, community transport can assist you to get to:
- Allied health and medical appointments;
- Day activities – such as planned activity groups;
- Shopping;
- Social and community events, and
- In some cases to access public transport networks
Note: Drivers are usually local volunteers so clients are asked for a small contribution to help cover running costs.
To be eligible for council transport, you usually have to be eligible for Home and Community Care (HACC) services. In some municipalities eligibility is extended, such as for newly settled migrants. Your local council and community health centre are the best places to find out details of community transport services in your local area.
Online directories of community transport services are listed below.
Note: Many of these directories are incomplete!
Directories
Online directories providing details of community transport providers:
What is the transport connections program?
Making better use of community transport resources is a key aim of the Transport Connections Program. Find more information about Transport Connections in our Rural Communities section.
What transport help is there for rural areas?
Transport issues can be especially vital in outer, regional and rural areas. Find more information in our Rural Communities section .
What Medical transport is available?
Red Cross and Ambulance Victoria assist people who are in need of essential, non-urgent medical transport. If your transport need is approved by a medical practitioner, these services can help you get to and from a hospital, an outpatient appointment, specialist or clinic appointment.
Note! If you think the problem is urgent or potentially life-threatening, call an ambulance on 000.
Referral to both services is arranged by the medical centre at which you are treated. Let your specialist or medical practitioner know if you are stuck for transport so a referral can be made on your behalf.
Hint!
If you are not able to access these services ask to be put in touch with a social worker. Or, if you are unable to arrange transport to a general GP or allied health appointment, speak to your Home and Community Care coordinator – they may be able to arrange for transport or a home visit. |
Australian Red Cross – Patient Transport Service assists people who are able to walk independently. If you require more specialised medical care, non-emergency ambulance transport may be necessary.
Red Cross transport services have a high community demand, particularly in the metropolitan region, and prioritise clients according to need.
Hint!
Red Cross transport eligibility in regional areas is sometimes more flexible depending on fluctuating demand. So if you have a medical appointment of lower priority, ask your medical practitioner to contact Red Cross as far in advance as possible to see if you might be assisted with transport. |
Ambulance Victoria – Non-emergency patient transport
Depending on the level of care you require, different levels of non-emergency patient transport are available with appropriately qualified staff. For eligibility details and further information, visit the websites:
Note: Non-emergency ambulance transport services are fee-based unless you have:
- An ambulance membership;
- Appropriate private health insurance cover, or if
- You hold a pension or health care concession card.
Ambulance Victoria also contract out private non-emergency transport services to other providers. Ambulance concessions do not apply and clients are charged the full-fee for these services.
What other options are available?
Unfortunately, transport services are often limited, leaving a gap in transport particularly for social needs. Yet seeing friends and getting out in the community are vitally important to our well-being. For those with few transport options consider the following ideas:
- See if you are eligible for the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program
- Arrange lifts with friends or neighbours, you can agree to support them in other ways if you are able.
- Motorised scooters are becoming popular amongst people well enough to ride them. The Recharge website has a list of electric scooter powerpoint recharge locations across Victoria.
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