Can we still get around? Yes, we can! Thanks to the inclusion of accessibility for public transport, improvements and new facilities rolling out across networks.

There are a multitude of options for people to use. Yes, you need to live close to a station, and or a bus stop. If you have the pleasure of being located close by, you can use bus, train, ferry, light rail/tram and taxis.

The mentioned forms of travel can take concession cards and interstate companion cards, making for a cheaper form of travel. Once your forms are completed (state-based funding for companion cards and the different transport access passes) you are set to head out on your adventures. This could be out getting social, off to work or getting to your appointments.

Two of the best forms of travel that I enjoy are the ferry and the tram/light rail. The reason behind this is that you can board and don’t have to provide a destination. If I choose to disembark at a stop, I can do so with the independence and flexibility to make that decision on the spot – not having to discuss my travel plans with a station staff, who will need to provide a ramp at the destination. Don’t get me wrong, the other forms of transport are awesome but it’s just you need to provide a destination to either the driver and or a staff member at the beginning of your journey. And if you choose a different station, may not always have that flexibility.

For me, it’s independence and that flexibility that I enjoy the most!

For example, on the Gold Coast, between Helensvale and Broadbeach South station, all of the stations are accessible, and this allows me to choose where I disembark. It’s freedom, flexibility, and independence in a nutshell. I can board the tram at Helensvale, and if I choose to stop at Surfers Paradise for a coffee, lunch, or drink, and jump back on and head to my destination. I am afforded that flexibility and independence with an easy wheel in and out.

With regards to the city cat in Brisbane, after you’ve entered via the gangway, you can choose to sit at the front, inside, or at the rear of the vessel. As the city cat glides across the water, you can take in the views, and feel the fresh air & the beautiful QLD sun on your face (Don’t forget the sun cream and the sunglasses!).

In Brisbane, we are very lucky to have this service! We can arrive at a terminal, jump on and then have a short stroll to restaurants, shops, etc.

If you are worried and/or a first-time user of these kinds of services or any public transport in general - try going out during the quieter time of day. Away from school kids and people who are rushing to and from work. Allowing you some peaceful time to practice and learn new skills in your own time.

Trains and buses have designated seating areas and the driver and or station staff will deploy a ramp to board a disembark. Which is giving us all the opportunity to get us all out and about more! More freedom, more independence = a beautiful life.

Over the years, I have worked out what destinations I need to stop so that my day runs smoothly and allows for enough time to catch another form of public transport if I need to. I would rather take an earlier bus or train to allow for any delays or busy traffic and arrive with time to spare instead of late. Sometimes, I have missed the train and had to wait an extra 30 minutes for the next service, which could have flow-on effects – missing the connection etc. But this is all part of learning and accessing the community.

We need to be organised ahead of time, just like everybody else!

About the author

Lindsay, who was born and grew up in Brisbane, Australia, obtained a spinal cord injury several years ago which sees him getting around on four wheels instead of two legs. His injury hasn’t stopped him from making the most out of what he refers to as "my beautiful life". Lindsay's journey began on the last day of grade 12 at the age of 17 when he went for a celebratory swim at Southbank, Brisbane and broke his neck at vertebrae C5. Over the last 28 years, Lindsay has done public speaking at universities, conferences, fundraisers, and within healthcare settings. He also works part-time, travels, attends the gym and volunteers as a peer support mentor for the newly injured and their families. Lindsay is an advocate for disability awareness and his goal is to help people and their families who are in similar situations.