The vital public transport service you've probably never heard of
Unless you need it, you may not know about it. But Travellers Aid is a much-needed cog in Victoria's public transport system, helping more than 110,000 people a year.
Travellers Aid, a not-for-profit organization operating in Victoria, has been helping over 110,000 people each year for more than a century. Founded in 1916, the organization initially focused on providing safe passage for women and children arriving in cities during World War I. Over the years, the service has helped migrants, young Asian students, and passengers during pandemics, including the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Travellers Aid currently assists passengers with mobility challenges in boarding trains, buses, and trams, with various services like buggy rides, wheelchair assistance, and travel companions. The organization operates from major stations like Southern Cross, Flinders Street, Seymour, and Ballarat, as well as the new Metro Tunnel station at Parkville and Melbourne Airport.
CEO Elias Lebbos emphasizes that the service is essential for people with disabilities, stating that it shouldn't disappear once they leave the station. The organization relies on government grants, corporate partnerships, commercial revenue, and public donations to operate. Travellers Aid has also expanded its services to assist passengers at events like the Australian Open and the F1 Australian Grand Prix.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
