Bunbury Community Transport Service Celebrates One Year

St John WA’s Bunbury Community Transport Service (CTS) delivers reliable and affordable transportation to patients in the South West region who need assistance travelling to and from hospital and specialist appointments.

The service is the first initiative brought to life through the HIF and St John Giving partnership, which launched in July 2021.

For the past year, the Bunbury CTS has successfully provided door to door service for people who want to maintain their independence but are unable to use public transport or drive a car.

To date, CTS has travelled more than 18,000km in the Bunbury region.

This service offers an alternative and affordable means of transportation for the elderly and people with disabilities to appointments, social events or community centres, without requiring medical assistance.

The Bunbury CTS wouldn’t be possible without the support of our amazing local volunteer network who contribute their time driving patients to and from appointments around the region.

Meet Lynn. She has been a volunteer with St John WA for almost 20 years as a way of giving back to the community. She says volunteering with Bunbury CTS is a really simple way to make a big difference.

“I volunteered with the service because I wanted to help people, and it’s been like being part of a big family. Whether the person I am driving is young or old, you’re giving them peace of mind and making sure they feel relaxed and comfortable,” she said.

“As people get older, their family might move away or they might not have companionship anymore, and they just want to go somewhere or talk to someone. It’s not doom and gloom, it’s really fun and you get to meet great people along the way.”

For those thinking about volunteering, Lynn says CTS is a rewarding experience and a great way to give back to the community.

“You get to meet different people from all walks of life, so come and give it a try, you don’t have anything to lose. St John provides the necessary training, with no pressure to commit if it’s not for you. But if it’s what you want to do, it’s worth it,” she said.

The Bunbury CTS has been made possible by St John’s local volunteer network, and the ongoing support of partners HIF and the charitable arm of St John WA, St John Giving. Thanks to the collaboration between these two organisations, CTS is able to deliver local initiatives and services that support South West residents and regional communities.

If you are looking for extra support we offer a St John companion service, in which one of our team members will be there for you before and after your medical appointment. Our service also extends to our passenger’s carer or companion at no additional charge, so you can travel knowing you have the help you need.