Buses and coaches can be made physically accessible to people with restricted movement or physical disability through modifications such as lifts, ramps and hoists. For general transport to and from work or around the community each state and territory government transport division has information on accessible buses and coaches.
Modifications for disabled access may need to be considered for buses, coaches or vans used within the workplace for transporting workers with disabilities between worksites.
Buses and coaches may also be available for hire with or without a chauffeur for situations such as workplace social outings, team building exercises or airport transfers. If wheelchair accessibility is required, in this situation bus and coach hire companies can advise of availability in different regions.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
Accessible buses and coaches are now more readily available within the Australian public transport system, hire vehicles and holiday coaches. To enable independent travel to and from work if travelling by bus, contact the relevant state body through contact details outlined at the public transport link below.
Advice can be sought from qualified vehicle modifiers regarding the capacity to alter existing workplace vehicles for improved access for employees with a disability.
For further information on independent public transport or vehicle modifications for people with a disability, please see the links below:
References:
Action (no date specified), Accessible Travel, ACT Government, Canberra, viewed 3 January 2012, http://www.action.act.gov.au/accessible_travel.html.
J&P Coaches (no date specified), Wheelchair Accessible Coaches, J&P Coaches Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 3 January 2012, http://www.jpcoaches.com.au/7.html.
Northern Territory Transport Group 2011, Special Needs Transport, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, viewed 3 January 2012, http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/public/bus/dds.shtml#impaired.
Warrigal Charter (no date specified), Warrigal Charter, Warrigal Charter, Wollongong, viewed 3 January 2012, http://www.chauffeursdirectory.com/wollongong_bus.html.