By XAVIER SMERDON
WHEN 84-year-old Point Cook resident Thelma Siebert needed to go to the shops, her age and poor eyesight meant she had no option but to call a taxi.
Often she would be stranded outside waiting for another taxi to arrive, which was never guaranteed.
“Being legally blind, I had to resort to taxis to take me to all of my outings. While it was easy to get a taxi to pick me up from my house, once I was out and wanting to return I usually had to wait an extended period for a taxi that didn’t always turn up. I felt unsafe and vulnerable,” Ms Siebert said.
Ms Siebert’s life has since been changed for the better since the arrival of the Point Cook Community Transport Service.
The service assists seniors, people with a disability and transport challenged locals who have trouble getting about to access essential activities in and around Point Cook.
It is supported and funded by the Point Cook Community Bank Branch, the Victorian State Government, Wyndham Council, LINK Community Transport and Jamieson Way Community Centre.
Ms Siebert was the first person to benefit from the service.
“The door to door service has given me my independence once again. I know all of the drivers by name and feel very safe whilst using the service,” Ms Siebert said.
“The cost of catching taxis was certainly adding up with a return trip to the Laverton Community Centre costing $13. Now I simply donate a gold coin for each return trip.”
The 12 seater bus is specially altered for wheelchair access and is driven by trained volunteer drivers.
To find out more about the Point Cook Community Transport Service and to register phone 8353 4006.
