Residents may qualify for transport help

Peninsula and Woy Woy Bays residents may be eligible for assistance through a taxi and transport scheme if they are affected by the closure of Woy Woy Rd, according to Gosford Council.

A taxi scheme and a transport service helping people who are "transport disadvantaged" due to geographical isolation, age, frailty or disability attend essential services are available from the council and Coastwide Community Transport.

"Successful applicants for the taxi scheme will be issued vouchers for point-to-point transport," media officer Ms Kate Carragher said.

"The Gosford Taxi Access Scheme is administered by council and Coastwide Community Transport and is funded by council and the NSW Ministry of Transport.

"Coastwide Community Transport also runs a separate transport service for frail aged people or younger people with a disability from 8am to 3.30pm."

People who may be eligible for either of these schemes include those who live in villages of less than 500 people who do not have access to mainstream transport.

People who need to access community facilities and resources which are not available within the hours when mainstream public transport operates are also eligible

Young people up to the age of 17 years who need to travel more than 1.6km to access community facilities and resources, which are not available within the hours when mainstream public transport operates can also take advantage of the transport scheme.

Others eligible for the scheme include people whose physical health status renders them with a permanent or temporary mobility disability that renders them unable to use mainstream transport.

This includes the frail elderly, younger people with disabilities and their carers.

Pre-school aged children travelling with an adult who experience problems accessing mainstream transport will also be accepted.

"Council will continue to keep residents informed of any updates through the media and council's website," Ms Carragher said.

For further information on either of these schemes or for an application form, please visit www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/community/taxi_access_scheme or contact council's project officer Ms Kareena Johnston on 4325 8846.

Horsfield Bay, Phegans Bay and Woy Woy Bay residents wishing to find out more information regarding public transport currently available are advised to contact Busways on 4368 2277.

Press release, 2 May 2008 Kate Carragher, Gosford Council