Coach Hire Across Australia

Accessible Coaches and Minibuses for Groups

Accessible vehicles exist, but not every operator has one free on every date. Tell us the needs early and in detail, and confirm the vehicle before anything else is fixed.

What the Standards do and don't cover

The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 apply to operators providing public transport and the vehicles they use. Buses and coaches count when they run a public transport service. Whether a privately chartered coach counts is not clear-cut, so do not assume your booking is covered. Limousines and chauffeured hire cars are outside the Standards.

In practice, accessibility is arranged vehicle by vehicle. We pass your needs to partner operators and ask for a suitable vehicle; nothing is certain until one is confirmed in writing.

Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view
Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view

Details the operator needs

Give the number of wheelchair users, whether each chair is manual or powered, and whether anyone can transfer to a seat. Add companions, carers and anyone who uses a walking frame. Wheelchair positions replace seats, so the seat count drops and luggage room shrinks.

NSW sets a floor for each wheelchair space in an accessible booked vehicle: at minimum 1.3 m long, 0.8 m wide and 1.5 m high. Its drivers must know how to load and carry wheelchair users safely. Ask whether the vehicle has a lift or a ramp.

Rules that apply

  • The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 apply to operators and the conveyances they use to provide public transport services
  • In NSW, wheelchair-accessible booked vehicles need a wheelchair space at least 1,300 mm long, 800 mm wide and 1,500 mm high for each wheelchair
  • Melbourne Park has an accessible drop-off point near the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard)

Accessible drop-offs at venues and terminals

Some venues publish accessible set-down points. Melbourne Park's is by the Eastern Plaza Car Park, Entrance D, off Olympic Boulevard. Grand Prix organisers point people with accessibility needs to Gates 1 and 5. Brisbane's cruise terminal keeps two accessible bays at the far end of its two-minute zone. Route 57 trams to Flemington are not low-floor, so race-goers with mobility aids are steered to the train.

Questions

Can you promise an accessible coach for our date?

No. We ask partner operators for a suitable vehicle once we know the needs, and we confirm only what an operator has confirmed. Give as much notice as you can.

Is a minibus or a coach better?

For most groups with several wheelchair users, a wheelchair-accessible minibus with a lift or ramp is the practical choice. Larger mixed groups sometimes split between a coach and an accessible minibus.

Will the driver help with boarding?

In NSW that is part of the competence required for wheelchair-accessible hire work. Any help beyond boarding, such as from a front door, should be listed when you book so the operator can plan.

Cities

Vehicles

Describe the group's needs

Send the date, route, numbers and each passenger's mobility needs. Partner operators are asked for a suitable vehicle, and we confirm what they offer.

Request a quote or call +61485016608