At the beginning of this year, 2022, Community Transport advised us of the new rules for booking with them, which are: any medical appointment; and once a week to be taken to the shops to do our own shopping.
There has been much talk over the past many months of “social isolation”. Now we are unable to book transport to: meet with friends for coffee or lunch; get to seniors club; U3A, or any other activities. So our “social isolation” continues.
Whose idea was this?
- Sad Senior of Inner South (name and address supplied)
In response, an ACT Government spokesperson said: Community transport is available for people who are isolated due to lack of transport and operated by the ACT’s regional community services. They provide flexible (usually door to door) transport for ACT residents who are eligible for Commonwealth funded aged care services, or who are isolated, have mobility problems, living with a disability, or have limited access to other transport options. This is not available if you live in an aged care facility or retirement village which has its own transport.
Transport is available for both medical and social purposes, but high demand and limited resources mean that services sometimes prioritise medical transport (visits to hospital, doctors) ahead of social outings.
In 2021, services were required to put social distancing measures in place due to COVID-19 restrictions. This meant fewer people were being transported at a time on bus services. Some services also discontinued social outings to give priority to medical appointments and shopping for essential items. All services are now back to full capacity and offering transport for any purpose in 2022.
Whilst services are regionally based, the Community Bus service is able to travel across all regions to meet client needs, availability allowing.
Community members can contact a regional community service for an assessment and to register to use this service. Services can provide details on how to make a booking, eligibility requirements, any associated costs and answer any questions.
Capital Region Community Service
Phone: (02) 6278 8124
Email: [email protected]
Communities@Work Gungahlin
Gungahlin, ACT, 2912
Phone: (02) 6126 9090
Email: [email protected]
Northside Community Service
Phone: (02) 6171 8000
Email: [email protected]
Community Services #1
Phone: (02) 6126 4700
Email: [email protected]
Tuggeranong and Communities@Work
Phone: (02) 6293 6500
Email: [email protected]
Woden Community Services
Phone: (02) 6181 2828
Email: [email protected]
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