Question 1

How does the community transport service work?

Accepted Answer

The Community Transport Program is coordinated by SHNH as a community initiative, with support from volunteer drivers. It helps provide transport for local people who need practical support.

Question 2

Who is the community transport service for?

Accepted Answer

This service is for people living in the Swan Hill area, who cannot access public transport to and from medical appointments in Bendigo, Kerang, Echuca, Shepparton, Mildura and Melbourne.

Question 3

Who is eligible for the service?

Accepted Answer

People who are eligible for this service are those who cannot access public transport due to:  illness, age, frailty, disability, fear, personal care needs, inconvenient timetables or lack of public transport in their area.  If you are not sure whether you are eligible, please give Swan Hill Neighbourhood House a call.

Question 4

Who is not eligible for the service?

Accepted Answer

People who are not eligible for the service include those who:are able to travel by public transporthold a Veterans' Affairs Gold Card orthose who are unable to transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat independently.

Question 5

Will the community transport service pick me up at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the community car can pick you up at your home, or at another location, as required.

Question 6

Where can the community transport service take me?

Accepted Answer

Lots of places! The transport service can provide transport to Kerang, Bendigo, Echuca, Shepparton, Mildura or Melbourne, for medical appointments.  Other destinations may also be possible depending on individual circumstances and vehicle availability.  Please contact us to discuss your transport needs.

Question 7

What are my transport options if I am in a wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Our volunteer drivers are not trained to provide mobility assistance.  If you are unable to transfer to a car seat independently then please discuss your transport needs with your doctor or medical practitioner to determine if you qualify for non-emergency transport by Ambulance Victoria.

Question 8

Can a carer travel with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely.  All carers of passengers can travel with the Swan Hill Neighbourhood House community transport service free of charge, as long as they are accompanying the passenger.  Additional seats must be booked priorr to transportation.

Question 9

Is there a fee for this service?

Accepted Answer

Swan Hill Neighbourhood House is grateful for the generous support of Murray Downs Golf and Country Club which allows us to provide this subsidised service.  We do require a passenger contribution towards running costs but for eligible passengers much of the cost of transport may be offset through the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).  The amount reimbursed depends on individual eligibility and circumstances and we encourage passengers to check their eligibility and entitlements. We have application forms for the rebate in the car for your use.   The passenger contribution is calculated as a return trip per kilometre, for example:  Kerang $50 return, Bendigo $85 return, Melbourne $150 return.  You can pay cash to the driver on the day, or call into Swan Hill Neighbourhood House to use our Eftpos facility.

Question 10

If public transport is available should I use this instead?

Accepted Answer

People are urged to use public transport and local taxi services whenever possible and these services may be utilised in conjunction with the Swan Hill Neighbourhood House community transport service.  You can telephone Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or V/Line on 136 196 for more information.

Question 11

What is the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)?

Accepted Answer

Passengers accessing Swan Hill Neighbourhood House's community transport service may be eligible for the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS).  VPTAS covers some of the travel and accommodation costs incurred by rural Victorians when they must travel more than 100 kilometres one way for specialist medical treatment.  The amount reimbursed depends on individual eligibility and circumstances and we encourage passengers to check their eligibility and entitlements. We do have application forms for the rebate in the car for your use. For more information phone VPTAS on 1300 737 073, email them at vptas@health.vic.gov.au or see the VPTAS website

Question 12

What is the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)?

Accepted Answer

Passengers may be eligible for the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP), a program that assists people with accessibility and mobility needs by offering subsidised commercial passenger vehicle fares to members.  For more information see the Safe Transport Victoria website

Question 13

What is the Centrelink special benefit payment?

Accepted Answer

If you are in severe financial hardship through illness etc., you may be eligible for a special benefit payment from Centrelink.  This may be particularly helpful if you find yourself in need of regular health treatment, which includes additional expenses, travel costs etc.  Strict conditions apply, and more information is available by telephoning Centrelink on 132 850.

Question 14

Should I use local transport options if I can?

Accepted Answer

It is not the intention of the Swan Hill Neighbourhood House community transport service to duplicate transport services and cause a negative impact upon existing public bus, train or taxi services.  Local taxi services can provide flexible transport options for people needing to travel across Swan Hill and surrounding areas, and public bus and train services have a number of timetables available.  Remember, if you CAN use public transport, then please use these services whenever you can.

Community Transport Service

Frequently asked questions

How does the community transport service work?

Who is the community transport service for?

Who is eligible for the service?

Who is not eligible for the service?

Will the community transport service pick me up at home?

Where can the community transport service take me?

What are my transport options if I am in a wheelchair?

Can a carer travel with me?

Is there a fee for this service?

If public transport is available should I use this instead?

What is the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)?

What is the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)?

What is the Centrelink special benefit payment?

Should I use local transport options if I can?

We have so many exciting things going on, be the first to find out!

Swan Hill Neighbourhood House would like to acknowledge First Nations Communities of Wamba Wamba, Wadi Wadi, Barapa Barapa, Latji Latji and the Tatti Tatti people on whose land, we work and live. We pay respect to all Elders past and present and honour their connection to the land and water

Community Transport Service​

Frequently asked questions

How does the community transport service work?

Who is the community transport service for?

Who is eligible for the service?

Who is not eligible for the service?

Will the community transport service pick me up at home?

Where can the community transport service take me?

What are my transport options if I am in a wheelchair?

Can a carer travel with me?

Is there a fee for this service?

If public transport is available should I use this instead?

What is the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS)?

What is the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)?

What is the Centrelink special benefit payment?

Should I use local transport options if I can?

We have so many exciting things going on, be the first to find out!

Swan Hill Neighbourhood House would like to acknowledge First Nations Communities of Wamba Wamba, Wadi Wadi, Barapa Barapa, Latji Latji and the Tatti Tatti people on whose land, we work and live. We pay respect to all Elders past and present and honour their connection to the land and water

Community Transport Service