Rural Transport Problems and Solutions
 This section addresses the transport problems faced by rural residents with Parkinson’s under the following headings:
Introduction
Rural and regional communities face significant transport challenges because of their isolation from public transport networks. Residents with Parkinson’s face particular disadvantages considering their limited mobility and the great distances they must travel to attend many metropolitan-based specialist services. To address these complex problems faced by rural residents with Parkinson’s, this section considers supports and solutions specific to rural communities, including ways of combining public and community transport, the transport connections program, subsidies and informal transport.
Rural public transport problems
For regional and rural communities, lack of transport is rated as “one of the most significant barriers to accessing services, employment and social networks.” Solutions to help connect residents to transport are being developed in each region.
For instance, regional bus services have been increased. For more information, go back to the section on public transport. You can also contact your region’s Department of Transport office  to find out what’s available in your local area or make suggestions to your local government representative. In many areas, the transport connections program (see below) is an avenue for innovative local solutions.
What is the Transport Connections Program?
‘Transport Connections’ is a Victorian cross-government program that seeks to help regional communities work together to improve local transport. This involves making better use of all the transport options available within communities including taxis, public transport, school buses, community transport, courtesy buses and resources from private organizations (e.g. RSL).
For more information on initiatives in your region visit the Transport Connections homepage.
One example of a Transport Connections program is the Gippsland Medical Transport initiative:
Also note that you may be able to claim on transport expenses under the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).
What subsidies are available?
Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)
If you live in regional Victoria and need to access specialist medical appointments (such as neurologists), the VPTAS program subsidises some of the travel and accommodation costs. To be eligible, you must have a current referral to travel more than 100km one-way (or on average 500km per week for a minimum of five consecutive weeks) to the nearest approved medical specialist. If you do not have a pension concession card or health care card, the first $100 of your reimbursement will be withheld. Eligible participants need to complete an application and forward it to their Regional VPTAS Office.
Veterans’ Repatriation Transport Scheme
If you are hold a veteran Gold, White or Pension card, you may be eligible for assistance towards traveling expenses for long-distance medical treatment. This assistance may include partial reimbursement of the costs of transport, meals and accommodation.
What about informal transport?
Where there is a lack of services, people often organise informal transport systems. Examples include establishing meeting points and car pooling arrangements. In some towns, drivers call past these established meeting points to see if anyone wants a ride.
Hint! Parkinson’s community support groups can be good places to organise car pooling. It can be a good idea to synchronise your specialist out-of-town appointments with other group members so you can travel together.
Find more information on other transport options.
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