A trip across Brisbane or Logan may involve public transport, a taxi or help from a support worker. Plan the whole route, including getting to the stop, boarding, reaching the destination and coming home.

Separate the help you need from the vehicle you will use. You might be able to catch a train but need assistance with directions or transfers. Another person may need a vehicle that can accommodate their wheelchair throughout the trip.

Check the stops as well as the vehicle

Use the Translink journey planner to compare trips for your actual travel time. Look at walking distances, transfers and the final section from the stop to the entrance.

Translink’s services, stops and stations guide explains that most buses have accessible features and train services can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Station access varies, so check the facilities at both ends and at any interchange.

If you need boarding assistance, check how it works before travelling. For trains, Translink identifies assisted boarding points on platforms where staff can deploy a ramp. Ask the operator about your particular mobility device if you are unsure whether it meets the travel requirements.

Leave time for transfers and check service updates on your travel day. Lift outages, track works or a replacement bus can change whether the planned route works for you.

Decide what the worker will help with

Describe the trip in practical terms. Support could involve finding the correct platform, reading travel information, managing a transfer or communicating with transport staff. Agree where the worker meets you and whether they will stay at the destination.

If you want to practise a route, ask how the worker would help you learn it. You could focus on recognising the stop, checking the destination display or knowing whom to ask when a service changes. Agree what to do if you miss a stop or need to leave early.

For a journey by car, confirm the vehicle, boarding arrangements and any equipment requirements before booking. A provider offering community support does not automatically offer wheelchair-accessible transport.

Keep transport funding and provider travel separate

The NDIS recurring supports guide describes transport funding that eligible participants may use for taxis, rideshares or other private travel. Whether you receive it depends on your circumstances and plan.

A worker’s travel to reach your home is a different charge from taking you to an activity. Worker time supporting you during a trip may also be charged separately from vehicle costs. Ask the provider to identify each proposed charge and the funding it would use.

The current NDIS pricing documents set out pricing and claiming rules. Do not assume that a transport budget pays for every travel-related charge, or that a quoted hourly support rate includes kilometres, parking and tolls.

Ask for the cost of the complete trip

Give the provider a typical destination and appointment length. Ask for a written example showing collection, the outward trip, any waiting or support at the appointment, and the return trip.

Ask for each part of the proposed charge to be identified:

  • Worker time assisting you before, during and after travel.
  • Any provider travel to reach you, separate from your own trip.
  • Vehicle or kilometre charges, including any proposed parking or toll costs.
  • Waiting time and what happens if the appointment runs late.
  • Cancellation terms and the method for dividing any shared charges.

These are questions for the quote, not a list of automatically claimable expenses. Ask the provider which rules and funding apply to each charge before agreeing. If you share transport, check how the schedule affects your arrival time as well as the price.

Before setting off, save the destination address and an agreed contact number in a format you can use. Confirm your return booking or service and the alternative plan if it is unavailable. This matters particularly when the outward trip ends after the last suitable service home.

If the journey is for an outing, our community participation activity guide can help you plan the support at your destination. You can ask about our community participation support, including whether the assistance you need is available.