For some people, catching a bus is part of everyday life. For others, knowing where to start, how to board or what support is available can be a real barrier.
That’s why Ventura recently hosted a Try Before You Ride event at the Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham, in partnership with Cardinia Shire Council and held in conjunction with Victorian Seniors Festival and free public transport for Victorian Seniors Card holders.
The event gave people the chance to build their confidence before getting out and making the most of free travel, while learning more about the tools and support available when travelling on Ventura services.
There was a great turnout on the day, with community members joined by a local councillor and the Chief Accessibility Advocate from the Department of Transport and Planning.
Ventura drivers were on hand to help people practise hailing a bus, using myki, boarding and getting familiar with the accessibility features available.
It was also a chance to show passengers that all Ventura route buses are fitted with ramps and can be lowered at the kerb, making it easier for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids, older passengers, parents with prams and anyone who needs a little extra assistance to get on board.
The day wasn’t just about getting on the bus. Ventura provided practical information and resources to help people plan their journeys, including bus timetables, live bus tracking with the Ventura Tracker app, as well as information about the Hailo app and how it can support passengers when hailing and boarding a bus.
Ventura General Manager – Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Paddy Keys-Macpherson said the event was about helping people feel comfortable and confident using public transport.
“Seniors Week and free travel is a great opportunity for people to get out, explore and use public transport, and we want to make sure they feel confident doing that,” Keys-Macpherson said.
“Sometimes having the chance to practise, ask a few questions and understand what’s available can make a big difference.
“It was fantastic to see so many people come along and have a go. Working with Cardinia Shire Council and the Department of Transport and Planning also meant we could bring the right people and information together to help make public transport easier to understand and use.”
The day was just as valuable for Ventura’s team, giving drivers the opportunity to speak directly with passengers and hear first-hand about some of the challenges people can face when travelling.
For Ventura, Try Before You Ride is about making public transport feel possible for more people – providing the right information, building confidence and supporting greater independence in the community.
