Oftentimes disability and sickness can mean that transport, and specifically driving, can become an issue. But careful planning and understanding what is available can help ease this transition and solutions are readily available. Here are some things to think about: Where you live -
Activities and Leisure -
Community transport -
Friends and neighbours -
Local options: For those still mobile, walking and biking can be good ways to get fresh air, gentle exercise and achieve goals such as posting a letter or getting supplies from your local store. A mobility scooter could help you around your local area, and may help you achieve goals like visiting friends, attending groups, or getting your hair cut. Local bus services may be able to provide a solution for getting to your nearest centre where you can go to the post office, bank or hardware store. Wider area options: For things further afield, there are a number of public transport services and taxi services in every centre. I have compiled below both public and private services, as well as concession fares and accessibility information. Public TransportAll major cities and smaller towns have a bus, ferry or train service run by their region's Council service. AucklandMAXX Auckland Transport (bus, train and ferry) Accessibility Auckland Council have provided an accessibility map of Auckland central to help its citizens with travel planning. This map shows where you can find wheelchair accessible toilets, ATM machines, alternate routes where there are steep streets, and locations of bus, ferry and train services amongst other things. This is a great resource to print out and put in your bag for when you are out and about. It is attached at the bottom of this page to download, view or print. Most public transport operators in Auckland cater for those with disabilities. The best advice is to contact the operator providing your local service, using the below contact details, and check before you go that access wont be a problem. Auckland Transport Operators Buses
Trains
Ferries
Service Dogs All bus services, and train services, welcome passengers accompanied by service dogs or disability assist dogs. Kneeling Buses Around half of Auckland buses have very low floors and the ability to lower the bus to curb level for ease of access; or have ramps fitted for wheelchair passengers to use. All new buses being introduced are bring fitted with these accessibility features, so that in the future all buses will cater to those with disabilities. Services such as the 283 Hospitals bus, 380 Airporter, 007, Northern Express and all LINK Services are operated by Wheelchair Accessible Buses. If you cannot get on a bus without the use of a ramp, or kneeling bus option, it is advisable to contact the bus operator the day before you travel and question which buses you can use. Be advised that wheelchairs and some mobility scooters must must meet the following restrictions: Maximum length: 1200mm Maximum width: 700mm Maximum weight: 240kg (combined weight of wheelchair and user) Most buses have an area that is designated for the elderly or those with access challenges. These can be found toward the front end of the bus, and your driver will be able to help directy you to these seats. On-Request Audio and Braille Some of the latest improvements introduced to the bus services are on-request audio announcements (by pushing the yellow button) and Braille signage at bus stops with Real Time signs. New signage is also being installed with larger icons and fonts for those with visual impairments. Train Service All train services are equipped with wheelchair ramps and wheelchairs may be carried at any time. Some types of small battery powered mobility scooters may also be carried in off-peak times, although you will need to contact the operator to see what times and routes this applies to. As with the bus service, mobility scooters and wheelchairs must meet the following criteria: Maximum length: 1350mm Maximum width: 650mm Maximum weight: 200kg (combined weight of wheelchair and user) When travelling by train, ask the on-board or platform staff to assist you with getting on and off the train using the ramps. Ferries Wheelchairs can be taken aboard most ferries, but again it is best to check with your local operator to confirm which routes and times these services are available. The on-board crew and ferry operators can assist you on and off the ferry and also while you are travelling if you need help. If you require this service, it is best to arrive ahead of time. Concessionary Fares Concessionary fares are available to passengers who hold one of the following photo ID cards:
The concession allows these card holders to purchase a one way child fare (cash, stored value or 10-ride tickets) at any time. The ID card must be shown when the ticket is issued and when boarding the bus, train or ferry. This discount does not however apply to the Inner LINK, NITERIDER, Airbus Express buses and some ferry services. Total Mobility Scheme The Total Mobility scheme is provided to assist eligible people with impairments to access appropriate transport, and often at a reduced rate. It is provided in the form of subsidised door-to-door transport services wherever scheme transport providers, which are generally taxis, operate. The eligibility assessment identifies whether a person has an impairment that prevents him/her undertaking any one or more of the following components of a journey unaccompanied, on a bus, train or ferry, in a safe and dignified manner:
Registration is required to access this service. To view the guidelines, or for application details, contact the MAXX Contact Centre on 09 366 6400 for further information. An audio version of the Total Mobility scheme, and the scheme's providers, is available from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Telephone Information Service, which is for Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind members only. For a list of Auckland's approved Total Mobility transport operators, please go to the bottom of this page and click on the "Auckland_Total Mobility around New Zealand" pdf. HamiltonBusit! Total Mobility Scheme The Total Mobility scheme is provided to assist eligible people with impairments to access appropriate transport, and often at a reduced rate of up to 50%. It is provided in the form of subsidised door-to-door transport services wherever scheme transport providers, which are generally taxis, operate. In the Waikato region, there are schemes operating in Hamilton, Taupo and Tokoroa - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please note: Total Mobility hoist vans are not always available due to the driver's availability and their commitment to provide school services. The eligibility assessment identifies whether a person has an impairment that prevents him/her undertaking any one or more of the following components of a journey unaccompanied, on a bus, train or ferry, in a safe and dignified manner:
Registration is required to access this service. To view the guidelines, or for application details, contact ................... An audio version of the Total Mobility scheme, and the scheme's providers, is available from the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind Telephone Information Service, which is for Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind members only. How do I know if I am eligible to join the scheme? You will need to contact one of the Total Mobility agencies listed below and undergo an eligibility assessment to ensure you meet the present regional requirement. Taupo Total Mobility agencies
Hamilton Total Mobility agencies
Tokoroa Total Mobility agencies
Approved taxi companies: Hamilton Hamilton Taxis - Phone 8477 477 or 0800 477 477 Red Cabs - Phone 839 0500 or 0800 455 500 Trikiso Buses Ltd - Phone 07 847 2203 (Hoist only) Tokoroa Tokoroa Taxicabs - Phone 886 4125 Taupo Taupo Taxis - Phone 378 5100 WellingtonMetlink Most Wellington buses, trains and ferries cater for people with disabilities or those with limited mobility.  This international symbol indicates that the vehicle is accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability. Although many people with disabilities don’t use wheelchairs, the symbol is used to represent the general concept of accessibility. Accessibility:- Buses Most Valley Flyer, GO Wellington, Mana Coach Services, Newlands Coach Service and Tranzit Coachlines buses are wheelchair-accessible. Mobility scooters are not allowed on buses. The following bus routes are operated entirely with wheelchair accessible buses;
Please note that wheelchairs must meet the following criteria to be taken onto these buses:
Kneeling buses Valley Flyer, GO Wellington, Mana Coach Services, Newlands Coach Service, Uzabus Fleet and Tranzit Coachlines have kneeling buses, which can lower the bus to curb level for ease of access, however they are not yet route specific. All of the major bus operators in the greater Wellington region have some wheelchair accessible buses which use wheelchair-accessible ramps. In either instance, it is advisable to contact your local operator prior to travel and confirm which buses on which routes can provide these services for you so you can plan ahead. Trains At present, every second carriage of each Matangi train has a low floor area. In this area there is no step at the door, and the area is designed especially to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are also designated wheelchair ramps and securing belts. Ganz Mavag and Wairarapa trains are fitted with wheelchair ramps or hoists and have designated wheelchair/mobility scooter areas with securing belts. All wheelchairs/mobility scooters can be carried so long as they meet the following criteria:
Access to train services is affected by three considerations:
Unfortunately some of the stations have steep ramps or large gaps between the platform and train. The stations that are inaccessible by ramp are Crofton Downs, Awarua Street, Box Hill, Takapu Road and Kaiwharawhara Stations. The train fleet consists of a variety of train types, with some more accessible to people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters than others. It is best to contact the provider directly and make sure that the service you wish to use, is accessible. Harbour Ferry The Wellington Harbour Ferry service has limited capability for wheelchair access. Motorised wheelchairs in particular are very difficult as crew have to lift them on board. In most cases top deck access is available as the wheelchair can be wheeled or lifted up the gangway and this allows disembarkation from the top deck on outlying wharves. The crew will make every effort to ensure wheelchair users can come on board. Visual impairments On the Route 91 Airport Flyer buses and Matangi trains the visually impaired can listen for the audio announcements for the next bus stop. Train stations that have been upgraded to allow for the arrival of the Matangi trains have tactile indicators along the platform. Hearing impairments For those who are hearing impaired, Route 91 Airport Flyer and Matangi trains have visual announcements of the next stop on a display at the front of the bus/train. Hearing loops are available on Wairarapa, Matangi and SE trains in the designated area for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Priority seating Priority seating for seniors, young children and people with mobility problems is available on Metlink trains and buses. They usually consist of four seats facing each other, with a flat walkway, close to the doors. Despite the name, unfortunately these seats are not officially reserved, so if the service is full, they may not in fact be available. If travelling outside of peak times, the driver will be able to direct or help you to these seats. Total Mobilty If you are unable to use buses and trains because of a permanent disability, you may be able to join the Total Mobility scheme which provides subsidised taxi travel. Greater Wellington is currently rolling out a new electronic system using electronic photo identification cards. From 1 September 2010 all Greater Wellington Total Mobility users must have a Total Mobility photo identification card to receive the discounted fare. For more information about Total Mobility, contact:
Free Mobility Scooter Hire City Mobility is a Wellington City Council and TSB Bank project providing free mobility scooters to help people get around and enjoy Wellington city. The scooters are safe and easy to use and you will be shown how to use them by the trained staff. The scooters are available to anyone aged 18 years or over who has limited mobility, from wheelchair users to the elderly. You're even eligible with a broken leg. Scooter hire is free but you will be asked to leave a security item such as a credit card or car keys to ensure the scooter is returned. Scooters can be booked for up to 4 hours at a time. To make a booking, use one of the two contact methods shown below and leave your name, contact details, the date, time and location you would like to book your scooter for. Phone - 04 499 4444 Email - info@wcc.govt.nz Scooters can be found at the following locations - City: Freyberg Pool, 139 Oriental Parade Wellington City Council, 101 Wakefield Street Fergs Kayaks, Shed 6, Queens Wharf Wellington Cable Car, 292 Lambton Quay Suburbs: Karori Community Centre, 7 Beauchamp Street, Karori Kilbirnie Library, 101 Kilbirnie Crescent, Kilbirnie Scooters from the venues below are available only for use within the premises: Te Papa, Cable Street Wellington Botanic Garden, Begonia House Zealandia, Waiapu Road, Karori Christchurch/TimaruMetro Unfortunately the Metro site offers little information on what assistance is available for disabled or challenged persons. Their contact details however are listed below and you could call them and ask what help they offer. Christchurch - phone 03 66 88 55 Timaru - phone 06 88 55 44 Monday to Saturday 7.00 am to 9.00 pm and Sunday 9.00 am to 7.00 pm By email - metroinfo@ecan.govt.nz DunedinCitibus Accessibility Nearly all routes run a full compliment of wheelchair accessible buses, with the exception of Normanby – St Clair, and Halfway Bush – Brockville – St Kilda, where there is a mix of accessible and non-accessible buses. You can call 03 477 5577 (Option 2) to find out if a bus leaving at a particular time on these routes is a ‘Low Floor’ bus and therefore wheelchair accessible. Almost all of the PT Citibus fleet can ‘kneel’, allowing the bus to lower to the level of the curb, which makes stepping onto the bus much easier.
Assistance dogs PT Citibus welcomes all assistance dogs, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, mental health companion dogs and seizure-alert dogs (provided they are clearly identifiable as such). There is no limit on the number of assistance dogs allowed to travel on urban services at any one time as long as there is space and the dogs do not block the aisle. National Travel Assistance (NTA) PolicyNTA helps with travel costs for people who need to travel often or for long distances to get to Specialist health or disability services. To receive this service, you need to have been referred by your Specialist to see another Specialist, or to receive Specialist services. Both Specialists must be part of a government funded (not private business) service. Phone - 09 486 8900 or 0800 281 222 Email - nta@waitematadhb.govt.nz Website - www.moh.govt.nz/travelassistance Disability Allowance Assistance for travel to medical appointments The Disability Allowance is for people who have a disability and need help with ongoing medical care and need regular visits to the doctor or hospital and that involve travel. To apply for this allowance discuss with a case worker at WINZ regarding your eligibility. To qualify you must: have a disability that is likely to last at least 6 months and need ongoing assistance or medical care be a NZ citizen or permanent resident and generally be ordinarily resident in NZ. To find out about the allowance phone: 0800 559 009 from 7.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday, and Saturday, 8.00am - 1.00pm, or contact a case worker at your nearest service centre. Discounted Health Shuttles & Volunteer DriversServices By Region  NorthlandNorthland DHB Bus Service Weekday Bus Service between Kaitaia and Whangarei Hospitals.
You must book in advance as the driver only stops where indicated on his passenger list. To reserve a seat contact one of the following numbers: Bay of Islands Hospital Telephonist - 09 404 0280 Kaeo Hospital Health Centre Clerk - 09 405 0541 Whangarei Hospital Admissions - 09 430 4101 ext 7263 Kaitaia Hospital Telephonist - 09 408 9180 St John Health Shuttles If you are not well or you have health or mobility problems that make it difficult for you to get to your medical appointment, St John can take you for treatment or to visit a specialist or hospital for minor day surgery in their fully equipped Health Shuttle. When your appointment is over, they will be there to pick you up and transport you home again. All they ask in return is that you make a donation to help cover the costs of running the Health Shuttle. St John Health Shuttles run Monday to Friday (except public holidays). To find out if a St John Health Shuttle is available in your area, or to book a journey: Phone - 0800 000 606 Email - enquiries@stjohn.org.nz Website - www.stjohn.org.nz AucklandWaitemata Community to Hospital Shuttle Service Who is it for? Any person, and their carer, who resides in Rodney, Hibiscus Coast, West Auckland or North Shore who is attending outpatient appointments at North Shore, Waitakere, Greenlane Clinical Centre or Hibiscus Coast Community Health Centre is eligible for this service. Where is the service available?
You can board the shuttle at any point along these main routes. Home pick ups may be possible on request. Bookings at least two days in advance are essential as the shuttle service is on demand, and does not have a set timetable. How much does it cost? (Note: Children under 5 are free)
Phone 0800 809 342 or 09 426 0918 St John Health Shuttle Transport for Waitakere City residents to and from appointments with family doctors, specialists, minor day surgery or Waitakere Hospital outpatient clinics. Operates between 9:30 and 2pm, Monday to Friday. Bookings are essential at least 24 hours in advance. A donation is appreciated towards this service but no fixed cost applies. Phone - 0800 000 606 Counties Manukau DHB Free patient bus Free Patient Bus services for the Manukau Superclinic and the Maukau Surgery Centre. There are two hourly bus loops operating.
The timetables, and bus stops, for both the free bus services can be found at the bottom of this page. Phone - 09 277 1660 Manukau East Patient Transport Service Fare paying Shuttle Buses for Manukau's Eastern suburbs residents. Open to all of the community and is a very cost-effective way to travel to Middlemore Hospital and the Manukau SuperClinic. This is a door-to-door shuttle bus service. Patients and a person accompanying the patient may use the bus. Total fare for return trip:
Phone - 0800 637 284 Website - www.mecoss.org.nz
CoromandelThe Hauraki, Thames, Coromandel Community Services Quality Group has complied a very comprehensive document detailing transport options available for the following towns: Coromandel Whitianga Tairua Paeroa Ngatea/Plains Whangamata Waihi Thames This document is available to download: Transport Options. If for any reason you cannot access it online call our Webhealth Team on 0800 932 432 and we will assist you. St John Health Shuttles If you are not well or you have health or mobility problems that make it difficult for you to get to your medical appointment, St John can take you for treatment or to visit a specialist or hospital for minor day surgery in their fully equipped Health Shuttle. When your appointment is over, they will be there to pick you up and transport you home again. All they ask in return is that you make a donation to help cover the costs of running the Health Shuttle. St John Health Shuttles run Monday to Friday (except public holidays). To find out if a St John Health Shuttle is available in your area, or to book a journey Phone 0800 000 606 Email enquiries@stjohn.org.nz http://www.stjohn.org.nz/
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