Try Before You Ride: Three years of building confidence through inclusive travel

For some people with disability, using public transport can feel uncertain. Things like finding the right platform, understanding a timetable, or knowing where to ask for help can be barriers. 

That’s why Try Before You Ride continues to be such an important program. It gives people a safe and supportive place to learn how public transport works, and to build confidence to use it on their own. 

Now in its third year, the program is still going strong. And thanks to the support of our partners, it’s only getting better. 

Delivered with care and commitment

Try Before You Ride is a collaborative initiative delivered by a group of committed partners: Keolis Downer, Public Transport South Australia, Guide Dogs SA/NT, and Feros Care. 

Together, we share a common goal – to make public transport more inclusive, safe, and accessible for people with disability. 

The program runs as a one-day event each year and has been held at both Gawler and Glanville Railway Stations. 

For the first time this year, it featured both trains and buses, giving participants the chance to experience both types of travel in one supportive environment. 

A hands-on learning day

The program is designed to reduce anxiety and build practical skills. On the day, participants had the chance to: 

• Read a timetable and find the right platform or stop 

• Buy a ticket or use a transport card 

• Board and exit safely, including with mobility aids 

• Understand signage and safety announcements 

• Learn about accessibility features like the Sunflower Lanyard and communication boards 

The guide dogs were also there to support the event. They were a popular part of the day, offering opportunities to learn about assistance animals and how they support people with disability in everyday travel. 

What people get out of it

Try Before You Ride is more than a learning session. It’s a chance to ask questions, practice new skills, and feel supported. 

One participant told us he loved:
“Learning from the train driver about what they do in the cabin. Learning about safety features and it makes you feel “I’m not on my own”, whereas before I felt I’ll take my car but now feel I can be supported.” 

For carers and families, especially those juggling multiple roles, the difference can be just as significant. Knowing a loved one feels safer and more independent can ease worry and open new doors. 

Cheryl Fazzalari, Community Development Coordinator at Feros Care, shared:
“We love being part of this initiative because it puts people first. It’s about respect, inclusion, and giving people the confidence to move through their community with greater independence.” 

Why we keep showing up

This work is made possible through the NDIS’s Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program. It’s open to people with or without an NDIS plan, and it focuses on building skills and creating more inclusive communities. 

We know that trying something new, like catching a train or a bus, can be a big step. That’s why we’ll keep offering this program and continue to work with our partners to make sure it meets people’s needs. 

Read more empowering participant stories.  

Feros Care is an NDIS partner with local area coordinators in Townsville, Mackay, the ACT, Northern Adelaide and the Barossa Region. We support people with disability to live healthy, fulfilling and connected lives. Call 1300 986 970 or click here for more information about our disability and inclusion services.