GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport

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GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
GUIDE TO GETTING
OUT AND ABOUT
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Handy tips

If you do not speak English you can phone the translating and
interpreting service (TIS) on 131 450 or ask for an interpreter
when you call the transport information line on 131 500.
Plan your trip on public transport. You can phone 131 500 for up
to date information on transport in your area.
Opal Cards are the cashless, convenient way to pay for travel. You
can top up the balance on your Opal Card at any Opal retailer or
online at www.opal.com.au
Contact the train station prior to catching the train if you need
help with mobility, as sometimes the stations do not have staff to
help.
If you are still feeling unsure about your journey and would like
some support contact South West Community Transport and talk
to staff in the Travel Training Project. Phone (02) 9426 8999.
With your Opal/concession card pensioners tap into public
transport services across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central
Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands capped at
$2.50* a day, no matter how much you travel (* Excluding Sydney
Airport Station access fee).
On weekends there may be track maintenance on the railway
lines this means the trains will be replaced by buses. To check if
your train line is affected you can either phone 131 500 or go to
www.transportnsw.info and click on track work.
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Contents

  Useful Information                             2
  Introduction                                   3
  Travel Training                                4
  Public Transport:
  How to plan your journey                       6
  Opal card entitlements                         9
  Purchasing your opal card                     10
  Opal Card not accepted                        10

  Supporting documents:
  Tips for reading bus timetable                11
  Things to think about when catching a bus     12
  Things to think about when catching a train   14
  Things to think about when catching a ferry   16
  Examples of journey planner by bus            17
  Example of journey planner by train           18

  How to Access:
  Community transport                           19
  Wheelchair accessible vehicle hire            19
  Taxi transport subsidy scheme                 20
  Taxi travel                                   20

                                                     1
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Useful Information

    Translating and Interpreter service is available on 131 450
    Website: www.tisnational.gov.au

    South West Community Transport
    Phone: (02) 9426 8999
    Website: www.swct.com.au

    Travel Training
    Phone: (02) 9426 8999
    Website: www.swct.com.au

    Bus/Rail/Ferry/Light Rail Info
    Phone: 131 500
    Website: www.transportnsw.info

    Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
    Phone: (02) 8332 0200
    Website: www.zero200.com.au

    Accessible Transport Australia
    Phone: (02) 9426 8999
    Website: www.ndistransport.com.au

2
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Introduction

 This booklet is a guide to getting out and about on transport.This booklet will
 provide you with information on - buses, trains, coaches, ferries, community
 transport, health related transport and taxi transport.

 There are many different reasons for utilising Public Transport. Some people
 require transport to and from work or medical appointments whilst others rely
 on transport for recreational activities like shopping or social gatherings.

 Whatever your needs, this booklet will assist you in planning your journey and
 knowing where to look for additional information.

 The booklet covers:

       Planning your journey by public transport - taking you through the
       steps needed to have a pleasant journey

       How to read timetables made easy, step by step

 The information contained in this booklet was valid at the time of production
 November 2018. South West Community Transport cannot be held
 responsible for any changes made to information contained in this booklet.

                                                                                 3
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Travel Training

South West Community Transport provides access to an interpreter if
required and a Travel Training Service aimed at empowering people to
access different forms of transport both public and private.
The kind of help you receive depends on your
individual needs, the type of assistance provided
could be:
      Identifying the type of transport that best
      suits your needs
      How to get to the Bus stop or Train station
      One on one support for people using
      public transport for the first time
      Individual journey plans for people to
      follow, including maps and timetables
This project covers the Bankstown, Fairfield,
Liverpool, Campbelltown, Camden and
Wollondilly areas. You do not have to be a client of Community Transport
to access this service.

4
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
For more information phone (02) 9426 8999
AREAS COor
         VERED    THE website www.swct.com.au
           visitBYour           TIPS FOR TRAVELLING click

                                                                                            Travel
TRAVEL TRAINING PROJECT         BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
        on Services Provided then       Travel Training
        from here you can download            thepriortravel
                                                                                            Training
                                • Check timetable         to leaving home
                                  either by calling the appropriate
        training brochure, or referral
                                  Transport form
                                             company or       you with
                                                        or checking    can
                                                                         the

                                                                                            Service
                                  Transport information line
        email traveltrainer@swct.com.au
                                  Phone: 131500 or on the
                                  www.131500.info
                                                         and       a
                                                              internet staff
        member will contact you.
                                                • Plan return journey before leaving

            Travel Training is supported      bya wheelchair
                                   • If you have   the NSW           State
                                                              or mobility
                                     and want to catch a bus, phone the bus
                                                                           aid

            Government via Transport       for NSW.
                                     company   before you leave to see if they
                                     have a wheelchair accessible bus at the
                                                  time you need to travel.
 This project covers the 6 Local
            Limited funding is available
Government Areas as listed below:              depending
                                    • If you are catching a train it is a good
            on  your  individual
             • Bankstown
                                 needs    and     travel
                                      idea to phone the station you are
                                      leaving from prior to leaving to advise

            requirements.             them that you will need some assistance
                                      as some stations are not manned.
               • Camden

           The National Disability •Insurance
           • Campbelltown
                                          Treat all public transport staff and other
                                                               Scheme
                                          passengers with courtesy     and respect.

           (NDIS) supports people• Bewith     safe at disability
                                                      all times by being alert and aware

           to• build
                Fairfield                 of your surroundings.
                          skills and capability     so that they
           can participate in the community and
              • Liverpool

           employment.
             •Wollondilly

                                                                                           Getting Out
            South West Community transport is a                                            on Public Transport
            registered NDIS provider. Additional one on     Version - September 2018

            one training and support can be purchased.
            If you are under 65 and have aMailing
                                                signifi     cant and
            permament disability andPOhave         not
                                                       Address

                                                          registered
                                               Travel Training                                           Registered
                                         Box 5099, Minto NSW 2566
            for NDIS you should contact     the National
                                          Phone: (02) 9426 8999
                                       Interpreter Service: 131 450
                                                                                                          Provider
            Disability Insurance Agency    on     1800 800 110.
                                            Fax: (02) 9426 8900
                                     Email: traveltrainer@swct.com.au
                                                       Website: www.swct.com.au
LEARNING RESOURCES

• First Stop Transport
  www.firststop.transportnsw.info
• Trip Planner
  www.transportnsw.info
• Transport Information - 131 500
                                                                                                                 5
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
Planning your journey by public
             transport

The directions below are a guide for making your journey on public
transport easier. If you are not able to access Public Transport refer to page 4
Travel Training and page 19 South West Community Transport.

STEP ONE

You need to think about the following questions before you start
planning your trip:

    • Where are you going?

    • Do you have an Opal Card and are there sufficient funds on the
     card? See page 9 for detailed information about Opal Cards.

    • Do you have a preferred form of transport e.g. Bus or Train?

    • What time do you want to arrive at your destination?

    • What time do you want to be home?

STEP TWO
  STEP TWO
Once you have the answers to step 1 you should :-

Plan your journey by phoning the Transport for NSW Info line on 131 500
if you need assistance in a language other than English you can ask for
an interpreter. Have a piece of paper and pen ready to write down a list
of details. Tell the person your travel needs from the your list. They will
provide you with the information you need to complete your journey.

6
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
If you have internet access then you can
plan your journey by going to
www.transportnsw.info fill in the
boxes and follow the prompt.

If you are travelling by bus you may
choose to phone the local bus provider
to find out pick up and arrival times or
perhaps you need to determine if the
bus is equipped with a ramp.

    STEP THREE
     STEP THREE

When you arrive at the Bus stop/ Train station, have your Opal Card ready.
You will need to tap on as you enter the bus, railway, light rail or ferry.

To find out about where you can purchase your Opal Card go to:
Purchasing your Opal Card on page 9.

    STEP FOUR
     STEP FOUR

When the train is approaching you will need to stand behind the yellow
line. If you are catching a bus you will need to signal the driver, by raising
your hand to indicate you would like the bus to stop.

                                                                             7
GUIDE TO GETTING OUT AND ABOUT - South West Community Transport
STEP FIVE

As you enter the bus you will need to tap
on with your opal card. See page 10 for
further info on tapping on and off with
your Opal Card. When you make your
way through the gate or turnstiles at the
railway station or onto the bus, you will
need to tap on.

When travelling on a bus you will need to push one of the buttons
located on the handle bars to let the driver know that you want to get off.
                           SWCT_brochure_PP01_08Aug08.indd 19                   11

If you do not feel confident with pressing the stop button, you can let the
driver know your desired stop.

If you are not confident with your English skills, have someone write it
down in English before you leave home and show the driver.

      STEP SIX

There is dedicated seating for the elderly and people with mobility issues.
If travelling by bus this is situated at the front of the bus. If boarding a
train the seating is situated on the level you enter on opposite sides to
the steps.
Stay seated until your bus/train has arrived at your destination. As you
exit the bus or railway station you will need to tap off with your opal card.

8
Opal Cards

Travelling on Public Transport is now even easier with the Opal Card,
it is cashless and convenient. To travel to the city, suburbs or regional
areas, all you need is an Opal Card. Opal Cards are smartcard tickets
that you keep, reload with funds and re-use to pay for travel on Public
Transport.

There are different types of Opal Cards; Adult, Child/Youth, School,
Senior/Pensioner and Concession.

To obtain an Opal Card, you can apply for one online at
www.opal.com.au/ordercard or by calling 13 67 25 (13 OPAL).

You will need to make an intial payment on your Opal Card either at the
time of ordering or before you travel.

You can add funds to your Opal Card online or at an Opal Retailer or by
calling 13 67 25 (13 OPAL).

Prior to using your Opal Card for the first time, you will need to activate
it by calling 13 67 25 (13 OPAL).
Senior and Pensioner trips are capped at $2.50 per day. No matter how
many trips you make in the day.

You can also purchase Opal single trip tickets.

            * Companion cards are available for people
              with a disability who meet the criteria for
                 information phone 1800 893 044
                    www.companioncard.gov.au

                                                                              9
8
Tap on and off, everytime

Whether you are travelling with an Opal Card or an Opal single trip
ticket, always tap on and off when starting and finishing your journey.
If you do not you are not travelling with a valid ticket and you could be
fined.

Opal Card not accepted

Opal Card is not accepted on private bus tours such as: Sydney
Explorer, Bondi Explorer and Manly Jetcat. A station access fee
applies when using any airport stations – Green Square, Mascot,
Domestic and International.

10
How to read your local bus
timetable

     Timetables are split into weekday and weekends; they are then
     split into morning and afternoon.
     If the stop you want is not a major stop it may not appear on the
     bus timetable. If this is the case you can call the bus company
     and they will give you an estimated time of arrival.

     Look for this symbol     on the timetable, this will tell you if the
     bus has wheelchair access.
     Some bus companies offer a large print copy of their timetable,
     ring and ask if one is available.
     If you are having trouble reading your timetable you can phone
     131500 transport information line and they can help plan your
     journey.
     Campbelltown to Kearns loop (clockwise)

           Monday to Friday
     map
     ref   Route Number                                   877     877     877     877     877     877
      A    Campbelltown Station Stand E                    –     10:02   11:02   12:02   13:02   13:52
      B    Macarthur Square                                –     10:09   11:09   12:09   13:09   13:59
           Campbelltown train from City arrives          09:02   10:02   10:59   11:59   12:59   13:59
      D    Campbelltown Station west side Stand H        09:18   10:18   11:18   12:18   13:18   14:08
      E    Woodbine North Steyne Rd & Badgally Rd        09:20   10:20   11:20   12:20   13:20   14:10
      F    Claymore Shops Dobell Rd                      09:26   10:26   11:26   12:26   13:26   14:16
      G    Eagle Vale Shops Feldspar Rd                  09:33   10:33   11:33   12:33   13:33   14:23
      H    Eschol Park Epping Forest Dr & Chasselas Av   09:34   10:34   11:34   12:34   13:34   14:24
      I    Kearns Epping Forest Dr & Raby Rd             09:39   10:39   11:39   12:39   13:39   14:29
      J    St Andrews Raby Rd & Campbelltown Rd          09:44   10:44   11:44   12:44   13:44   14:34
      K    Woodbine Campbelltown Rd & Collaroy Rd        09:46   10:46   11:46   12:46   13:46   14:36
      A    Campbelltown Station                          09:53   10:53   11:53   12:53   13:53   14:43
           Campbelltown train to City departs            10:04   11:03   12:03   13:03   14:03   14:48

        Saturday
     map
     refRoute Number                                      877 877 877 877 877 877 877 877 877
      A Campbelltown Station Stand E                     08:23 09:23 10:23 11:23 12:23 13:23 14:23 15:23 16:23
      B Macarthur Square                                                                                 11
                                                         08:30 09:30 10:30 11:30 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:30
        Campbelltown train from City arrives             08:33 09:33 10:33 11:33 12:33 13:33 14:33 15:33 16:33
Things to think about when
               catching a BUS

     When you are catching the local bus it is good to plan your trip in
     advance, here are some things you should think about :

       How to get to a bus stop? Do you know how to get to the
       stop or do you need someone to show you? Phone the Travel
       Training Project for help on 9426 8999

       Reading a bus timetable. Do you know
       where to get your local bus timetable
       from? Do you know how to read the bus
       timetable? If not you can phone the local
       bus company or phone the Travel training
       Project on 9426 8999

       Bus times on the timetable are an estimated time of arrival so
       make sure you are at the bus stop about 10 minutes prior to
       the time it is due.

12
If you are using a wheelchair or mobility aid you should
look for buses that have wheelchair access        . This will
be displayed on the timetable, normally as a wheelchair
picture. If there is not a wheelchair accessible bus on
the service you can phone the bus company to discuss
getting one put on the service.
Make sure the return bus also has the Wheelchair symbol
    .
What to do if the bus is late? It is always a good idea
to carry the phone number of the bus company with
you, that way if the bus is more than 15 minutes late you
can call them and ask if it has been
cancelled or just running late.

                                                                13
Things to think about when
               catching a TRAIN

When you are catching the train it’s good to plan your trip in advance.
Here are some things to think about before setting off on your journey.

      How do you get to the train station? Do you need to get a lift or
      catch the bus to the train station or is it in walking distance? Can
      you safely make your own way there?

      Electronic displays are at most train stations. Are you comfortable
      with reading these or will you need assistance? Some stations will
      have staff to help you.

      When deciding on the best time to leave home take into account
      time to walk to the station.

      Make sure you know what time your return train is due to depart.

      If you’re catching a bus after the train then make sure you plan for
      the bus and train to meet up so you don’t have to wait a long time
      at the bus stop.

      If you need assistance when catching a train ring the Transport Info
      Line on 131 500

14
What to do if the train is running late
or cancelled. If the train is running
late or cancelled there will normally
be an announcement over the loud
speaker to advise you of the time of
the next train.

Sometimes there is track work
happening on the weekends. If this
is the case then a bus replacement
system will be in place, the train
station will have signs and staff to
direct you where to go to get the
bus. The bus will only stop at train
stations.

If using a wheelchair it is best to
phone the train station the day before
you travel. Not all stations have staff
on duty day and night and you will
need a staff member to assist with the
ramp. You can phone 131 500 and
they will give you the station phone
number.

                                          15
Things to think about when
             catching the FERRY

     When you are catching the ferry it’s good idea to plan
     your trip in advance:

           How do you get to a Wharf? Do you need to get
           a lift or catch another form of transport or is it in
           walking distance? Can you safely make your own
           way there?
           When deciding on the best time to leave the
           house, take into account time to walk onto the
           wharf. Sometimes the queues are long especially
           at peak time.
           You will need to tap on and off with your Opal
           Card when travelling on Sydney Ferries
           Make sure you wear sensible shoes as the deck of
           the ferry might be slippery and wet.
           Make sure you know what time your return ferry is
           due to depart. If not phone 131 500.
           If using a wheelchair it is best to phone ahead as
           not all stops are manned and you may need a staff
           member to assist you. If required phone 131 500.

16
Example of journey planner by bus

 What time do you need to be at your destination?
 12:30 appointment

 Where does the bus leave from?
 Westfields

 What time does the bus leave ?
 11:45 am

 What time does the bus arrive ?
 12:15 am

 What time do I need to leave home?
 11:15am

 Do I have enough time to walk to the desitination?
 Yes

 What bus number do I need?
 Busabout 851

 Do I need to make any transfers along the way?
 No

 Repeat the above steps for your return journey.

                                                      17
Example of journey
             planner by train

     What time do you need to be at your
     destination?
     12:30 appointment

     What time do I need to leave home?
     10:15am

     Where does the train leave from?
     Campbelltown Station, Platform 2

     What time does the train leave ?
     10:45 am

     What train line do I need?
     East Hills line

     Do I need to make any
     transfers ?
     No

     Is there a lift or ramp at the
     train stations I am using?
     Yes

     Repeat the above steps for
     your return journey.

18
Accessing Community Transport

You may need to become a client of your local community transport
provider to use the service.
Community transport provides door to door service. To find your
local community transport provider phone (02) 8265 6962, this
service can also provide information of other community services in
your area.
Go to Community Transport website www.cto.org.au click on the
area you live in to find contact details for your local Community
Transport Group.

Wheelchair accessible vehicle for hire

South West Community Transport has a self drive access project for out
of hours hire for eligible users. This vehicle can be hired on evenings and
weekends. Some vehicles are fitted with wheelchair ramps and restraints.
For more information Phone (02) 9426 8999.

Or visit the website
www.swct.com.au click on
Vehicles then look for Self drive
hire for terms and conditions.

                                                                              19
Taxi transport subsidy scheme

 The taxi transport subsidy scheme is a NSW Government Incentive
 providing taxi travel at a subsidised rate to residents who are unable to
 use other forms of public transport because of a permanent disability.
 Eligibility of an applicant depends on the extent or severity of the
 disability or mobility limitation.
 For more information you can phone 1800 623 724 or you can visit
 www.transport.nsw.gov.au click on concessions, then click on taxi
 transport subsidy scheme.

Taxi travel

 Taxi travel is available for people who do not need assistance. Some taxi
 providers offer wheelchair accessible or mini vans which can seat more
 than 3 people.
 You can find your local provider by going to www.nswtaxi.org.au and
 click on bookings, you can then choose the area you live in which is in
 alphabetical order for all contact details. You will also be able to find your
 local taxi company in your phone book under transport.
 If you need to book a wheelchair accessible taxi
 Phone (02) 8332 0200.

20
Train

Bus

Ferry

Light Rail
Travel Training
          Project

South West Community Transport Travel Training

       PO Box 5099, Minto NSW 2566

       Phone: (02) 9426 8999

       Email: traveltrainer@swct.com.au

       Website: www.swct.com.au

           Proudly supported by:

              Version 3 - November 2018
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