Travelling to your destination
Working out how you’ll get to your first outing can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have access to a private vehicle that accommodates your wheelchair. You may need to explore other transport options such as taxis or public transport. Once you arrive, it’s important to make sure you can access the building, that suitable parking or a loading zone is available, and that the environment meets your needs.
Planning your journey using public transport
Using public transport can be overwhelming, however, there are resources available to help you plan your journey whether you are catching a bus, ferry or train. It is recommended you start by using the Translink website to plan your journey using the Journey Planner. For more information on accessible public transport click here.
Top 5 tips for planning public transport
- Use the Journey Planner on the Translink app or website to map out your route and check timing.
- Check for service updates before you leave, including delays, diversions, or lift outages.
- Build in a time buffer. If a bus doesn’t have a wheelchair ramp, it won’t stop, and you may need to wait for the next accessible service.
- Ask for assistance. Major train and bus stations have staff who can help you board and exit safely.
- Visit individual transport websites for detailed accessibility information — Brisbane City Council or Cairns Regional Council for accessible bus stops, Queensland Rail for station accessibility, and the Ferry Network map for accessible ferry features.
Things to consider when booking a taxi
Booking an accessible taxi is a great way to get around if it is within your budget. Most buildings have taxi loading zones which eliminates the concern of not having an accessible carpark when you arrive. There are a few things to consider when arranging an accessible taxi to improve your experience.
3 tips for using an accessible taxi
- Accessible taxis and maxi taxis are often in high demand. Using the telephone priority booking service can help secure the vehicle you require and you can let the service know the type of mobility device in advance.
- If you mention the booking is for someone with a wheelchair, no booking fee should be charged.
- Accessible taxis can usually carry 1 wheelchair and 8 other passengers, or 2 wheelchairs and 5 other passengers at one time.
The available space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters in maxi taxis is usually 130cm by 80cm, with a door height of 140cm.
The following measurements provide a guide:
- Maximum width of mobility aid: 75cm
- Maximum height of mobility aid: 130cm
- Maximum combined weight of mobility aid and operator: 300kg
Accessing the environment
You might be wondering whether a place has a lift or ramp, or if there’s an accessible toilet nearby. The good news is that there are helpful apps designed to make this easier. These tools can help you find accessible venues, locate suitable parking and toilets, and even allow you to snap a photo of an access issue and report it so it can be fixed. Using these apps can give you confidence and make your outing feel more manageable.
Accessible Australia is a free, web-based accessibility resource to help you “know before you go”. Search hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping centres, beaches, parks, public bathrooms and more, and find information about entrances, navigation, accessible toilets and parking. You can read first-hand reviews from people with similar mobility needs, share your own experiences and add new locations – helping others make more informed decisions about where they go.
AccessNow is an accessibility-mapping app that helps you quickly find, rate, and share how accessible different community locations are. It shows whether places are fully accessible, partially accessible, or not accessible. It lets users add photos or reviews to support others when planning outings. It’s a simple way to check entrances, toilets, parking, and overall access before you go, building confidence and reducing uncertainty for wheelchair users and people with mobility needs.
WheelMate is a simple, user-driven app that helps wheelchair users find accessible toilets and parking in real time. It shows nearby locations, allowing you to rate, review and add new accessible locations making community travel easier, safer, and more predictable.
Snap, Send, Solve is an app that helps you quickly report access barriers you come across. If you spot a broken path, blocked ramp, or an issue with accessible parking, simply snap a photo, let the app capture your location, choose the problem type, and send it straight to council. It’s a fast way to get access issues noticed and fixed.