As petrol prices keep rising, it’s more expensive than ever to get around. Maybe you need a lift to the shops and back, or perhaps you have appointments to get to. And many of us need to ride long distances to access services. The Pilbarra is huge and the kilometres can really add up, which can be a burden on finances.

So welcome to our second installment of our Money Series, where we take a close look at ways you can save money and still enjoy life during this worldwide financial crisis. Whether you’re a patient who needs a long ride to get to specialist treatment, or a person who requires extra mobility support, check out our top tips for getting from A to B for less. 

NDIS Transport Funding: When there’s no option to use public transport, or if a participant is unable to travel independently, NDIS participants may be eligible for transport funding. This includes private cars, taxis and ridesharing. To check if you are eligible visit here.

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS): For residents needing to travel long distances for specialist medical services not available locally, PATS provides financial subsidies to offset travel and accommodation costs. For more info, see here.

Companion Card WA: The Companion Card Program supports Western Australians with a significant and permanent disability who require attendant care support to participate at community venues and events. Companion Cardholders show their card when booking or purchasing a ticket from a participating business, called an Affiliate. Affiliates will recognise the Companion Card and issue the cardholder with a second ticket for their companion at no charge. Check if you’re eligible here.

TransWA Concession Fares: If you’re a concession card holder, you are entitled to concession fares and limited free travel on Transwa services. To know more, see here.

Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS): The PTSS is a subsidy available to eligible people with disability travelling in on-demand rank or hail (taxi) vehicles. PTSS participants can receive up to 75% off eligible taxi fares. The PTSS replaces the TUSS (Taxi User Subsidy Scheme). To see if you’re eligible click here.

Regional Pensioner Travel Card: The Travel Card supports eligible country pensioners with travel costs to access government services to enhance their quality of life. This card provides eligible pensioners with up to $675 a year towards the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel from participating providers, offering more support for the transport needs of pensioners living in regional areas. For more information, see here.

Carpooling: And lastly, why not hop in for a ride with others, and you can all keep the costs down? There are ridesharing apps available, or simply use social media such as a Facebook local group to organise a trip together. And the best part about this is that you can get to know new people while cutting down on petrol money.

Have a tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it! Leave a comment on our fb page and we’ll look into it straight away.