There are many reasons why a person may not have easy access to efficient transport services - the most common being not owing a car, loss of ability to drive a personal vehicle, no public transport in the area in which a person lives (or limited and non-flexible transport, such as one bus a day to a main centre).
In many of our small towns and rural areas in New Zealand there are no taxi services at all, or limited services that are very expensive.
Lack of transport is a major cause of social isolation and declining health (through lack of access to health services, and even shops) in older persons in particular. Improving transport improves individuals' access to their community and increases their personal resilience, as well as the resilience of their communities by creating closer ties.
New Zealand Red Cross community transport services are committed to providing door-to-door services to assist those in need to attend medical appointments.
The service is open to all those people who need assistance to attend appointments.
Referrals are often made through a doctor's surgery or hospital, however users can also apply to the service.
For more information about whether community transport operates in your area please contact us or contact your local area office.
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