No licence?
No problem
Eric Schwenke and Jeanette Moody.
Whether it's by choice or circumstance, giving up your driver's licence can be daunting. It might signify a loss of freedom and identity, or an increased reliance on family and friends. But it needn't mean being stranded at home. There are many ways to get from point A to point B if you don't drive.
Words: Andrew Rasch
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
For Old Noarlunga resident, Jeanette Moody, the City of Onkaparinga's community bus is an essential part of her life.
"I've never had a driver's licence, and since my husband passed away, I've used the bus to go shopping and to other appointments," Jeanette says.
The bus also takes Jeanette to the City of Onkaparinga's Kookaburra Club, which offers social interaction, outings, entertainment, crafts, computer classes and more for local residents.
"It's wonderful to get out of the house for a few hours and be around other people. The Adelaide Metro bus near me is infrequent, so I rely heavily on the community bus."
The City of Onkaparinga is one of several South Australian councils offering alternative transport services, such as community buses, for residents without a driver's licence.
Director Community at City of Onkaparinga, Jani Baker, says the council offers several options for residents who don't drive and can't access other forms of transport.
"Our volunteer-run community bus provides door-to-door transport to local shopping centres and community centres. We ask for a gold coin donation for each trip."
Volunteer and former police officer, Eric Schwenke, has been driving the Onkaparinga bus for about 18 months. "It's my way of giving back to the community. I love the social aspect of this role and interacting with our regular passengers."
The City of Onkaparinga’s community bus.
Jani says if you're under 65 – and therefore don't qualify for My Aged Care – there are other options to get around.
State Government-funded Community Transport South Australia provides support to South Australians experiencing transport disadvantage.
“This helps them participate in community life, and access services, supports, and activities that facilitate social inclusion and independence,” Jani says.
For more information about community transport options in your area, contact your local council.
Peter and Jo Goodwin from Driving Miss Daisy, Burnside.
DOOR TO DOOR AND SO MUCH MORE
Companion driving services, such as Driving Miss Daisy, have become more common in recent years.
After its success in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Driving Miss Daisy now has 70 franchises across Australia, including eight in SA, and has helped more than one million clients.
Peter and Jo Goodwin, who've owned the Burnside franchise for five years, have 14 staff and eight yellow-and-white daisy emblazoned blue cars.
"We offer a tailored, personalised service every step of the way," Jo says.
"We can bring in your wheelie bins, help carry your bags and then have a nice chat and get to know you during the trip. On top of that, we can wait while you finish your shopping or medical appointment or come back and pick you up later. We'll even have a coffee with you when you're done if you'd like."
Booking transport through Driving Miss Daisy means a qualified, vetted driver will pick you up at your house, drive you to your destination and then drop you back home.
Peter says he loves his job and providing a valuable service to their clients. "We like to say we're family when family can't be there."
For more information about Driving Miss Daisy, call 1800 324 791.
SHARING THE RIDE
Cabs are widely available in Adelaide and SA’s bigger cities, including Whyalla, Port Lincoln and Murray Bridge.
You may also find them in other regional areas, such as the Yorke Peninsula, Barossa Valley and the Fleurieu Peninsula. You can book a taxi to pick you up by phone or by using a smartphone app.
Although the occasional cab ride is usually cheaper than maintaining your own vehicle, the cost of fares can add up quickly.
South Australia’s taxi concession scheme is targeted at people with permanent and severe disabilities. However, if you’re 65 years or over, you may qualify for certain transport subsidies through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Rideshare services, such as Uber and PickMe Now, are another popular transport option. These services use contractors driving their personal vehicles.
Rideshare services are cashless and offer up-front pricing for your trip that may vary according to demand. You can track the location of your allocated rideshare driver on your smartphone but, unlike taxis, you can’t hail a vehicle from the side of the road.
Rideshare services rely entirely on smartphone apps, so if you’re not confident using them, ask someone experienced to show you how they work.
RAIL OR ROAD?
If you live in or near Adelaide, chances are there's an Adelaide Metro bus, tram or train route nearby that'll take you to or close to your destination. The good news for South Australian Seniors Card members is that Adelaide Metro services are free at all times. If you're not yet eligible for a Seniors Card, you can access free travel on the tram – from South Terrace to Hindmarsh – and City Connector buses across the CBD and North Adelaide.
Buses, trams and trains have various accessibility features if you have limited mobility, including ramps and priority seating. Technology has also made catching public transport easier. You can use your smartphone to 'tap and pay' as you board and also track arrivals and departures in real time.
Services can be limited in regional areas. However, Adelaide Metro has a range of contracted private regional transport providers that run bus services outside the metropolitan network.
WHERE TO NEXT?
Everybody's circumstances are different and it's not always easy and cost-effective to find suitable transportation. While this isn't an exhaustive list of transport services, it's important to know that various options are available if you no longer – or never did – have a driver's licence. Conducting an online search for services in your area may help you access suitable transport that can get you where you need to go.
IMAGES: Getty; RAA/Mike Lockheart.
