There are various mobility and transport benefits available to people who are blind or have low vision.
Vision Impaired Travel Pass
The Vision Impaired Travel Pass is for people who are legally blind and are permanent residents of the states listed below and entitles you to free public transport travel.
For more information:
- New South Wales Vision Impaired Travel Pass
Phone: 131 500 - Queensland Vision Impairment Travel Pass
Phone: 13 12 30 - Victoria Vision Impaired Travel Pass
Phone: 1800 800 007 - South Australia Vision Impaired Travel Pass
Phone: 1300 311 108 - Tasmania Vision Impaired Travel Pass
Phone: 1300 135 513 - Australian Capital Territory Vision Impaired Travel Pass
Phone MyWay: 13 17 10
The National Companion Card Scheme
The National Companion Card Scheme brings together State and Territory Companion Card programs that enable eligible people with lifelong disability to participate at venues and activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their companion.
The cardholder presents their card at participating affiliate organisations to purchase a ticket or pay an entry fee and receive a ticket for their companion at no extra charge. In some states, this includes participating public transport service providers.
There is no separate National Companion Card. Companion Card applications are assessed by the State or Territory you reside in. To apply for a Companion Card, go to the website of your State or Territory from the list below and download the application form.
- Australian Capital Territory Companion Card
Phone: (02) 6205 4333 - New South Wales Companion Card
Phone: 1800 893 044 - Northern Territory Companion Card
Phone: (08) 8948 5400 - Queensland Companion Card
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) - South Australia Companion Card
Phone: 1800 667 110 - Tasmania Companion Card
Phone: 1800 009 501 - Victoria Companion Card
Phone: 1800 650 611 - Western Australia Companion Card
Phone: 1800 617 337
Visit the DSS website for more information on companion cards.
Taxi Subsidy Schemes
Most states have a taxi subsidy scheme to that allows people with a severe and permanent disability that can't use public transport, to use taxis at a discount rate.
For more information:
- Australian Capital Territory Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Phone: (02) 6207 0028 - New South Wales Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
Phone: 131 500 and select option 5 - Northern Territory Transport Subsidy and Incentive Schemes
Phone: (08) 8924 7229 - Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Phone: 1300 134 755 - South Australia Taxi Fare Subsidy Scheme
Phone: 1300 360 840 - Tasmania Taxi Subsidy Program
Phone: 1300 135 513 - Victorian Multi Purpose Taxi Program
Phone: 1800 638 802 - Western Australia Taxi User Subsidy Scheme
Phone: 1300 660 147
Mobility Allowance
This Centrelink benefit is available to people with disabilities that cannot use public transport without substantial assistance, who are looking for work or any combination of paid employment, voluntary work, vocational training and independent living or life skills training.
For more information call Centrelink on 13 27 17.
Access Travel Pass (Victoria only)
The Access Travel Pass is available to people with a significant permanent disability that travel independently on Victoria's public transport network and can demonstrate that due to their disability they cannot use the ticketing system. If eligible, this pass allows you to use public transport for free.For more information call the PTV Pass Office on 03 9619 2710.
Further Information and Assistance
If you require further assistance with mobility benefits, you can request specialist support from an Orientation and Mobility Specialist from Vision Australia.