Victorian people who have a severe and permanent disability and can travel independently on public transport will have access to
Victorian people who have a severe and permanent disability and can travel independently on public transport will have access to a new travel pass.
Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky says there has always been a small percentage of public transport users who have been unable to use ticketing machines and the new pass will give them piece of mind.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to stand up for vulnerable Victorians and to them access to public transport services and this pass will be made available to a small group of people who have a severe and permanent disability,” she says.
“This includes people who are in a wheelchair and have limited fine-hand movement, which stops them from being able to reach a ticket machine or barrier, as well as some people who have an intellectual disability.
“Following consultation with a number of special interest groups we have decided to close this gap by introducing the new Access Travel Pass.
“This new pass will be used in same way that people currently use the Vision Impaired Travel Pass. Pass holders will need to carry it when ever they use public transport and it will entitle them to free travel.”
The application process for the Access Travel Pass will include a number of steps:
- A registered health professional will need to certify that the applicant can travel independently but cannot use tickets
- All applications will be reviewed by an independent panel.
“While we anticipate that the number of people who will be eligible for this pass will be relatively small it is important that we do all we can to make public transport accessible for all Victorians,” Kosky says.
“The Access Travel Pass will give more Victorians the freedom to travel when and how they want.”
Kosky says the introduction of the Access Travel Pass will be timed to coincide closely with the rollout of myki in Melbourne.
“By introducing the Access Travel Pass at the same time as myki we can ensure that it forms part of the extensive staff training program that is now getting under way,” she says.
Application forms for the Access Travel Pass will be administered by the Metlink Central Pass Office and be available from the office or from www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au in September.