Vision pass boosts travel accessibility

Commuters who are blind or have low vision will be able to travel more independently across the state with the Palaszczuk Government introducing an upgraded permanent go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass (VITP).

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the pass entitled the holder to free travel on all TransLink services, qconnect bus services in regional Queensland and on services provided by participating interstate public transport operators.

“The existing VITP works as a flash pass only and therefore cannot be used to independently open fare gates, requiring a Queensland Rail staff member to open the gates for them at train stations,” Mrs O’Rourke said

“The upgraded go access VITP is an electronic card that allows the holder to ‘touch on’ or ‘touch off’ to independently open the gates at train stations and still receive free travel on public transport where eligible.”

Minister O’Rourke said the Government had received positive feedback from existing VITP holders who participated in a six-month trial of the go access VITP that ended in June 2015.

“The successful trial involved more than 40 participants and was undertaken in partnership with Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Queensland and Queensland Rail,” she said.

“We want a public transport system that is safe and accessible to all Queenslanders.

“Rolling out the go access VITP permanently across the state demonstrates this commitment in helping improve the travel experience and independence of people who are blind or have low vision.

“This is all part of our commitment to building a safe, caring and connected community, and improving accessibility on our public transport network.”

Vision Australia General Manager Queensland Karen Knight said being able to control when you could enter or exit a train station without assistance supported the blindness and low vision community to retain their independence and encouraged greater public transport use.

“Vision Australia clients who have been involved in the trial have been very positive about the Travel Pass. We are very pleased that the government has announced the roll out of the Travel Pass for all members of our community,” Ms Knight said.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will be writing to existing VITP holders to provide more information about the new product and advice on the process to request a go access VITP.

For full details and to plan your journey, visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30 anytime.

Media Contact:        Minister O’Rourke’s office             3719 7184