Ceasing Driving & Alternative Transport

Giving up driving is often a very challenging step in a person's life. Ideally driving cessation occurs as a gradual process as the individual recognises their own limitations & adapts their driving accordingly. This might include not driving at night, avoiding peak hours or freeways or eventually only driving in familiar places.

It is important to remember that depending on a persons medical condition, sometimes this self regulation is not possible. This is especially relevant when there is a degree of cognitive impairment. In these cases it can be more difficult for the individual to comprehend the need to discontinue driving.

It is important that a person who is giving up driving is given access to resources to assist them to remain active in the community & as independent as possible. Different regions have varying options for alternative transportation. Compared to the cost of owning & running a vehicle, the expenses associated with alternative transport are often surprisingly low.

Alternative transport options include:

Public Transport:

Such as buses, trains & ferries. Public transport is considerably subsidised for seniors & may be free at some times.

WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays.

The free travel entitlements can only be accessed via SmartRider, Transperth’s electronic ticketing system.  You must have a Seniors SmartRider or the new Pensioner SmartRider to travel for free during these times.

SmartRider is available to all seniors who are in possession of a Western Australian Seniors Card. The Seniors SmartRider combines the Western Australian Seniors Card on one side of the card and the SmartRider on the other. The Seniors SmartRider can therefore be used to gain all the usual Seniors Card benefits such as government concessions, business discounts and Transwa concessions.

A Seniors SmartRider must be tagged on and off to access the free public transport entitlements. To use your Seniors SmartRider for discounted concession travel outside of the entitelment period, you will need to add value to your card.

Applications for Seniors SmartRiders are also available online at www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au and from most banks. The initial issue of Seniors SmartRider is free of charge. 

Taxis:

For short trips taxis are an affordable option. Some individuals may qualify for a taxi users subsidy (TUSS) through the department of transport. The TUSS provides taxi travel at a reduced rate for people who have a severe disability that will always prevent them from using conventional public transport. To find out if you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact Passenger Services:
Phone (08) 9216 8109 or 9216 8068
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.dpi.wa.gov.au

Volunteers & Community Transport:

Organisations such as hospitals (eg. Royal Perth) & local churches may offer volunteer services

Some organisations may charge a small fee  eg. People Who Care

Social Clubs:

Often have a shuttle bus for patrons who are unable to drive

Setting up a roster with family members can assist for regular errands such as shopping, hairdressers & doctors appointments. More & more home delivery or home based services are available.

Organise for friends to pick you up on the way to social events or regular hobbies.

Click on these links to see some examples of the type of local transport services that may be available in your area

Town of Bassendean

City of Bayswater

City of Joondalup

City of Stirling

Click here to find out how to access transport information in your area

Home & Community Care Program (HACC) is a government funded community service that provides low cost transport to medical appointments and shopping to assist senior citizens and those people with disabilities who continue to live independently at home. All clients need to be assessed to ensure that they are eligible for this service.

Department of Health WA
PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre
PERTH WA 6849
Phone (08) 9222 4060
Website: www.health.wa.gov.au/hacc/home/