Perth has plenty of fun wheelchair accessible activities – from museums to nature trails, beaches to bustling cafés, there’s something for every kind of adventurer. With the help of this transport guide, we hope you can explore your options with more confidence!
Wheelchair Accessible Public Transportation
Catching the bus
All buses on the Transperth bus network are ‘kneeling’ buses, which means they can lower the level of the step. They also have extendable ramps suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices, which serve to extend the kerb for those who need it.
On the bus, you’ll find the priority seating section with fold-up chairs that can fit two wheelchairs or mobility devices. This section is prioritised for people who need it – the elderly, parents with carrying children, and of course, wheelchair users.
Free CAT buses
If you’re in the mood for the scenic route, the free CAT buses run different routes throughout central Perth and include stops like Kings Park (Purple CAT, Blue CAT). They run almost every day of the year and are a great option for a free day out.
Related: Cheap and Cheerful Wheelchair-Friendly Activities in Perth
Finding a wheelchair accessible bus stop
Transperth is rolling out the Bus Stop Accessibility Works Program to upgrade all bus stops in Perth to comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport. However, if they haven’t got to the one closest to you yet, you can email transperthsignage@pta.wa.gov.au and ask to have the stop prioritised.
Wheelchair access on trains
As with buses, all trains in Perth have clearly marked spaces for wheelchair users that are right near the doors. There are two kinds of stations:
- Independent Access Stations. These meet a higher accessibility standard, and most passengers will be able to access the station independently via ramps, pathways or lifts. There is also a maximum gap between platforms at these stations and the trains of 60mm wide x 20mm high.
- Assisted Access Stations. These are the stations which don’t currently meet the higher accessibility standard, where wheelchair users may need some assistance to access the station, and when boarding or disembarking from the train. This might be because of non-compliant ramps (e.g. too steep an angle), or gaps exceeding 60mm wide between the train and platform, or because there is a pedestrian crossing used to access the station (which can have gaps of up to 75mm).
Special Assistance for train stations
If you need help accessing the train station, boarding or disembarking the train, you can call Transperth anytime from first service to last service. You can call 1800 800 022 an hour in advance of your arrival to ensure assistance is ready and available when you get there.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
If public transport is too daunting, or not convenient for where you live and where you’re going, another option is to contact a wheelchair accessible taxi company to book private transport. This is obviously more costly than public transport, but it’s also much more direct if you’re on a deadline or would prefer to avoid the stress of buses or trains.
How do I book a wheelchair taxi in Perth?
Many Perth taxi services have options for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) when booking. You will need to let the company know that you need a wheelchair accessible cab ahead of time to guarantee availability. Here are some options to check out:
- Wheelchair Taxi Perth (by WA Maxi Cabs)
- The Maxi Taxi service (a dedicated part of the Black & White Cabs fleet)
- Maxi Taxi Perth (specialising in ‘maxi’ and wheelchair cabs)
- Swan Taxis (note: Swan Taxis bookings are now powered by 13cabs)
Does Uber have wheelchair access?
This one is a little trickier to pin down, because the answer is truly – “Sometimes?”
Uber and other rideshare apps may have wheelchair accessible options, but only if drivers with those vehicles have signed up in your area. You may not be able to find reliable transport on demand with rideshare apps – if you are looking for transport where timing is important (such as booking a car to take you to the airport) you may want to opt for a private taxi service instead.
Wheels For Hope is on a Mobility Mission
We believe everyone should be able to get around freely, regardless of ability.
Our mission is to provide life-changing access to wheelchair-friendly vehicles for families of children with disabilities in WA. This vehicle loan system allows the families in our network to overcome mobility hurdles, making transport easier for everything from essential medical treatment to exploring some of Perth’s best wheelchair-friendly activities.
Our fundraising efforts go towards keeping our fleet on the road – insurance, servicing, maintenance, and other necessary costs to make sure our vans are safe and accessible at all times.
Related:
How You Can Get Involved
Every little bit helps us keep the wheels moving on our fleet. Here are some ideas for how you can help support Wheels For Hope’s mission:
- Making donations, either recurring or as a one-off
- Leaving a charitable gift in your Will
- Signing up for our events, donating prizes, or volunteering to help on the day
Want to find out more about how you can donate goods, services or time to Wheels For Hope? Why not contact us today – we would love to hear from you.