Accessible travel


Wheelchair accessible buses

Transport Canberra's easy access buses have no steps, so getting on and off the bus is easier for everyone.

Easy access buses have:

  • an extendable ramp
  • a wide front entrance
  • space in the bus to accommodate wheelchairs or prams.

Please ask the driver to put down the ramp or lower the bus for you to get on and off the bus.

Check the timetables or NXTBUS for the easy access symbol Orange wheelchair icon.

The MyWay on-bus card readers are positioned at a relatively low height to support mobility access requirements.

Request a wheelchair accessible bus

To request a wheelchair accessible bus on your regular bus route, use the online feedback form. Please provide your name, address and contact details and information regarding your travels, including bus route, direction of travel and preferred time of travel. Where possible, we will make every attempt to meet this request, or consider it for future network planning.

Improving accessibility

The ACT Government is committed to making its bus stops and buses accessible for people of all mobility levels, including for those who use wheelchairs.

A significant program of bus stop upgrades has been underway over the past decade, while low floor buses have also been progressively added to the fleet. There are now less than 10% out of the 456-strong bus fleet which do not meet accessibility standards.

During 2023 the arrival of 12 new battery electric buses and 26 low emission diesel buses will see the phasing out of the remaining orange Renault buses which do not meet standards.

In the interim, while the new buses are still being delivered, Transport Canberra will manage the allocation of buses to minimise the use of the Renaults.

Bus ramp

Photo of bus ramp.

Programs

More information

Mobility aids on buses

A mobility aid is welcome on the bus if it:

  • fits within an allocated space of 1300mm by 800mm
  • is no more than 750mm wide at a height 300mm above the ground
  • weighs less than 300kg including the aid, occupant and assistant (if applicable) when using a ramp or other boarding devices
  • is able to move in the direction determined by the transport operator and has effective braking systems to maintain stability
  • can turn 180 degrees within an area 2070mm by 1540mm
  • can cross a horizontal gap up to 40mm wide
  • can mount a vertical rise (bump) up to 12mm
  • can cross grating gaps up to 13mm wide and 150mm long
  • can negotiate a 1:14 grade ramp unassisted
  • can negotiate up to a 1:8 grade where the ramp is less than 1520mm
  • can negotiate a 1:4 grade ramp with assistance.

Please be aware that some oversized wheelchairs and scooters will not be able to board. Download Safer travel for passengers using Mobility Aids on Public Transport (PDF 460KB).

Use NXTBUS to check if the next bus is wheelchair accessible.

Ramp

Person in wheelchair using ramp to board bus

Ramp and bus dimensions

Ramp dimensions 1300mm by 800mmAccessible bus dimensions1400mm from the top of the tires to the roof

Bus hailing kits for vision impairment

Bus hailing kits can assist vision impaired people to catch buses. The kit has a clear plastic pouch with three slots and a set of numbered inserts, which used together display the required bus route number to bus drivers. The inserts have large, raised print and Braille to help with identification.

These kits are available from Vision Australia, Canberra Blind Society and Guide Dogs Australia or contact us.

Accessing information

We’re committed to making information and services accessible to as many people as possible.

  • Translating: If English is not your first language and you require the translating and interpreting service, please telephone 13 14 50.
  • Hearing impaired: If you are deaf or hearing impaired and require the TTY typewriter service please telephone (02) 6207 7689. We also have a teletype (TTY) service for the hearing impaired in our Customer Service Centre, please call (02) 6207 0494.
  • Vision impaired: We offer free travel for vision impaired passengers and their attendant. For further information call (02) 6207 7711. Our bus interchanges and frequently used bus stops have tactile paving, audio announcements, with some bus stop number plates in Braille. Guide dogs are allowed on buses. You can also request a bus hailing kit from Vision Australia. Canberra Blind Society and Guide Dogs Australia or contact us.
  • Alternative formats: If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive the publication in an alternative format such as large print, braille or audio, please contact us.
  • This website: Find out about our commitment to website accessibility.

Use NXTBUS to check if the next bus is wheelchair accessible.

Getting ready for your first trip

Here are some helpful trips to help you with your first trip:

  • Get MyWay. A number of concessions are available.
  • Plan ahead using the journey planner, timetables and region and interchange maps.
  • The timetables have a wheelchair icon Orange wheelchair iconif the service is an accessible bus.
  • Seek help from your support circle and having someone accompany you. You may be eligible for a Companion Card which provides free travel.
  • Allow extra time for trips.
  • Travel through the off-peak travel period (9:00 am – 4:30 pm and after 6:00 pm weekdays, and all day weekends and public holidays). Travel at this time is quieter with less passengers and also provides fare discounts.
  • Use NXTBUS, Transport Canberra’s real time information portal. Enter the route number in the search bar and choose the direction of travel to see the route and the bus stops along the way. Click on the desired bus stop to see what bus routes and times services will be at the bus stop for the next 90 minutes.
  • Remember to flag the bus as it approaches.
  • Ask the bus driver if you need the bus or ramp to be lowered.
  • Tap on and off the service using your MyWay card.
  • To make the ride more relaxing, try playing music through headphones.
  • Listen to the announcements and look at the screens to see where you are on your journey.
  • Press the bell before your bus stop so the driver has plenty of time to pull over.
Vision impaired travel pass

Vision impaired travel pass holders and their attendant (if required) are entitled to free travel on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services.

To be eligible for Vision Impaired Travel Pass you must be:

  • assessed as permanently and legally blind and
  • a permanent resident of the ACT.

Apply for a vision impaired travel pass (PDF 144.8 KB).

Contact us

For further assistance please contact us.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.