FAQ Sheet 5
What are my transport options for getting to and from university?
When preparing for university, future students should research transport options available, especially if your disability means you have specific mobility needs. Here is some brief information about the transport options likely to be available to you and where to find further information.
Buses and trains
- When researching your university options, find out as much information as possible about the public transport available to students. Most university websites include information about public transport and also a map of the local area.
- Some universities offer a shuttle bus service to and from the local train station, particularly after hours. Check the university website or contact your Disability Liaison Officer for more information.
- If you decide to use public transport as an option, think about whether you have the skills and experience needed to travel on buses and/or trains. If you think you need practice or may need specialist training, start to make these arrangements during the year prior to entering university. This will help you to be confident and skilled when you travel to university on your first day.
- If you need accessible public transport, be sure to research ahead of time whether the buses, bus stops, trains and train stations close to the university are accessible. You can find information about accessible buses and trains at the following websites:
- State Transit Authority accessibility website lists information about wheelchair accessible bus routes.
- City Rail website has excellent information available about the disability access (including lifts, hearing loops, tactile tiles) at each metropolitan train station. The website also identifies which train stations have a wheelchair accessible pathway to the closest bus stop.
- Transport Info line for Private Bus Operators is a good place to look for information on private bus operators operating in Greater Sydney.
- You may be eligible for concession rates on public transport, including:
- pensioner rate fares if you are receiving a Disability Support Pension,
- half fare if you have a Health Care Card (via Centrelink) and
- student rate fares if you are studying full-time (or part-time and are unable to study a full-time load due to your disability) and not working. A Student Concession Pass is required and may be applied for through the university.
- free travel for people with a vision impairment or blindness.
Taxi Transport
- You may be eligible for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme if you have a severe and permanent disability. This subsidy allows you to use taxis at a subsidised rate of half fare up to a maximum of $30. For further information check the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme website. In order to receive this subsidy an application must be made to the scheme including all relevant medical documentation.
- If considering taxi transport, try to find out, as much as possible, whether your classes are likely to start and/or finish during taxi peak periods. If so, remember that waiting periods (even for a booked taxi) may be extensive. Therefore consider whether you can schedule around these peak periods by planning to arrive earlier/leave later and using this time for library research, time in the computer laboratory, extra tutorial time, etc.
- Due to the potential delays waiting for a taxi, it is also important to arrange a safe waiting place, especially if you are catching the taxi after hours. Talk to your Disability Liaison Officer about possible waiting places/arrangements.
Private car use
- If you are considering using your own car to get to and from university, you will need to know about on-campus parking arrangements including parking availability, parking fees and (if needed) disabled parking.
- Parking fees at university can be a significant cost. Most university websites include information about parking costs and usually offer a discounted rate for students with disability unable to use public transport.
- Universities generally have parking arrangements for students with disability. Access to these spots is usually arranged through the Disability Liaison Officer and may involve an application process.
- Off-campus disabled parking may also be available. To park in these spots a Mobility Parking Scheme permit is required. A permit can be applied for through the Roads and Traffic Authority and involves supplying medical documentation. For further information see Roads and Traffic Authority website.
- Some universities have car pooling arrangements between students. Check the university website for further information.
- Those receiving a Disability Support Pension are entitled to a reduction on car registration and driver's licence costs through the Roads and Traffic Authority.