New transport car bringing mobility to clients in need

Posted on Wednesday, 25 January 2017

These past few months Bankstown Canterbury Community Transport (BCCT) clients have been driven around in shiny new wheels after a $24,535 donation from Canterbury League Club went towards the purchase of a new transport van.

BCCT, based in Revesby, provides affordable transport for aged or disabled people and their carers through their fleet of cars and mini vans which are available via booking over the phone. Their vehicles, which are also fully-wheelchair accessible, are used to ferry clients to medical appointments, grocery shopping or go on social outings.

“The addition of this new vehicle to our fleet has allowed an extra 1043 trips to be taken by clients and their carers in the Canterbury area, including 85 trips taken by wheelchair clients, whilst also reducing the excess demand for our services,” said Rachel Thompson, BCCT Executive Officer.

Since joining BCCT’s fleet of 19 vehicles in September last year, the new transport van collectively has completed over 20,000 client trips in just four months. BCCT estimate they do over 60,000 trips each year and that number is only set to increase:

“Our service has grown more than 900% over the past four years and demand for our services is continuing to grow. Without financial support from places like Canterbury Leagues Club, BCCT would not be able to purchase the additional vehicles required to meet this growing demand.”

Our clients are very grateful for the services we provide. Without access to community transport, many of our clients would be isolated in their own homes as they are unable to access for various reasons public or private transport,” said Rachel.

“Canterbury is proud to support a community transport service like BCCT which enables frail or disabled people to have a life outside of their homes. This vital service allows them to connect with their friends and go out on short trips together, attend important medical appointments, go to places like the bank, library and community centres and take an active part in the community,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.