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 Victoria, NSW, or Queensland and entitles you to free public transport travel.
For more information call:
- NSW - Transport for NSW on 131 500
- Queensland - Vision Impairment Travel Pass Hotline on 13 12 30
- Victoria – Public Transport Victoria Hub on 1800 800 007
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
Phone: (02) 6207 1086 - New South Wales
Phone: 1800 893 044 - Northern Territory
Phone: 1800 139 656 - Queensland
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68) - South Australia
Phone: 1800 667 110 - Tasmania
Phone: 1800 009 501 - Victoria
Phone: 1800 650 611 - Western Australia
Phone: 1800 617 337
Website: http://www.companioncard.gov.au/
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 call:
- ACT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
02 6205 1108 - NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme
02 8202 2200 - Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme
1300 134 755 - Victorian Taxi Directorate
03 9320 4360 or 1800 638 802
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.