Community transport services can help veterans and their families get where they need to go when driving or using public transport is difficult. 

These services can help if travel is difficult because of mobility issues, health conditions, limited transport options, or a major life change. Community transport can help people stay connected to health care, services, social activities and their local community. 

What is community transport? 

Community transport is usually provided by not-for-profit organisations, local councils or community groups. Services are typically low-cost, flexible and can be adapted to people’s needs. 

Community transport may include: 

• Door-to-door transport 
• Assisted transport for people with mobility needs 
• Group transport services 
• Volunteer-run driver programs 

Services vary depending on location and provider. 

When community transport may help 

Community transport may be useful if: 

• You are unable to drive due to injury, illness or disability 
• Public transport is not accessible or practical 
• You live in a regional or remote area with limited transport options 
• You are attending medical, rehabilitation or wellbeing appointments 
• You want support getting to social or community activities 

Transport support can reduce stress and make it easier to get to appointments, services and community activities during transition or recovery. 

DVA travel for treatment 

If you are travelling to treatment covered by your Veteran Card, you may be able to get help through DVA’s Travel for Treatment program. Depending on your eligibility, this may include reimbursement for travel costs or pre-arranged transport to and from appointments. 

Eligibility and travel entitlements vary, so it is important to check what support may be available for your situation. 

What community transport may be used for 

Depending on the provider, community transport may be available for: 

• Medical and health appointments 
• Allied health or rehabilitation visits 
• Shopping and essential errands 
• Education or training attendance 
• Social, recreational or community activities 
• Group outings and programs 

Not all services cover all purposes, so it’s important to check with your local provider. 

Who may be able to use community transport 

Eligibility varies by provider and location. Some services may be available to: 

• Older people 
• People with disability or mobility limitations 
• People who have health-related barriers to transport 
• Carers and family members 
• People living in areas with limited transport access 

How to find community transport services 

Community transport is organised at the local or regional level. If you are not sure where to start, these services and support people may be able to help. 

Who can help 

• Local council 
• GP 
• Hospital social worker or discharge planner 
• Allied health or rehabilitation provider 
• My Aged Care 
• NDIS or disability support provider 

Next steps 

• Contact a local service or support provider 
• Search online for community transport in your area 
• Ask for help with a referral or booking 

Sometimes, community transport can be arranged through health, aged care or disability services already supporting you or your family. 

Before you book 

Before you book a community transport service, it can help to check: 

• Whether the service operates in your area 
• Whether you can use the service 
• What types of trips the service can be used for 
• Whether there is a cost or contribution 
• How much notice you need to give when booking 
• Whether wheelchair-accessible transport is available if needed 
• Whether a support person or carer can travel with you 
• Whether return trips are available 

Questions to ask the provider 

When you contact a provider, you may want to ask: 

• Do I need a referral or assessment? (For example, from my GP?) 
• What trips can this service be used for? (For example, appointments or shopping?) 
• How much does it cost? (For example, is there a fee?) 
• How far in advance do I need to book? (For example, a day or a week ahead?) 
• Can a support person, family member or carer travel with me? (For example, can someone come with me?) 
• Is the vehicle wheelchair accessible? (For example, for a wheelchair or walker?) 
• Do you offer return trips? (For example, can you take me home too?) 
• What should I do if I need to cancel or change a booking? (For example, who do I call?) 

Helpful websites 

You may find these websites helpful when looking for transport support and eligibility information: 

• My Aged Care – information about aged care transport services, eligibility and assessment.  
• NDIS – information about transport funding for eligible NDIS participants. 
• myGov – general information about transport as you get older, including links to state and territory community transport information.  
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) – information about Travel for Treatment, including reimbursements and pre-arranged transport for eligible veterans.