One of the most vital factors of independence is the freedom to go places. And for people who can no longer drive or can’t, they can only rely on community transport. This allows them to go to doctor’s appointments, get needs, such as groceries and medicine, and to socialise.
The future for community transport is still unclear. With the New Aged Care Act, it is treated as an add on. But for now, community transport is still under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. And so far, it will still continue as is until 1 July 2027. The transition for CHSP has been pushed back so that providers have time to adjust and prepare.
A new funding model for community transport will be set in the future. For now, providers will have to face the challenge of making long-term plans for drivers, routes, and fleets, even without a finalised future funding model.