Access, location, and independence are key to unlocking job opportunities

At Campbell Page, we work every day with job seekers who have the skills and motivation to succeed, but are held back by something as basic as getting to work.

For many people with disability, the journey to employment doesn’t start with a resume. It starts with access to reliable, accessible public transport.

Transport: a hidden barrier to employment

Public transport plays a vital role in helping people with disability get to job interviews, training, and their first day at work. But when transport options are limited, unsafe, or inaccessible, it can quickly become a barrier.

While some people can drive, many rely on buses, trains or taxis due to physical, cognitive, or sensory disabilities. Unfortunately, these services are not always up to the task. Broken lifts, unstaffed stations, inconsistent services, or a lack of accessible routes can make even short journeys challenging, and sometimes impossible.

It’s about more than the commute

Transport isn’t just about convenience. It’s about independence, dignity, and opportunity.

When someone with disability has to turn down a job because they can’t physically get there, it’s disheartening. It’s also unfair. We’ve seen firsthand how these barriers can affect a person’s confidence and willingness to keep applying for roles.

Accessible transport means people can show up on time, feel empowered, and focus on doing their job, not worrying about how they’ll get home.

Regional areas face greater challenges

In regional and remote communities, the issue is even more pronounced. Many areas have few, if any, accessible transport options. No regular buses. No footpaths. No wheelchair-accessible taxis.

For job seekers in these locations, employment options are often limited to what’s within walking distance or what a family member can drive them to. That’s simply not good enough.

We’ve seen the impact, and the opportunities

At Campbell Page, we work alongside our clients to understand their transport needs as part of their job plan. That might mean helping someone apply for travel training, connecting them with local support, or working with employers to explore flexible start times or remote options.

We also advocate for better systems, because we know that better public transport benefits everyone.

Government reforms like the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, and technology tools like real-time travel apps or accessible route maps, are all helping. But there’s still a long way to go, especially in regional areas.

What needs to change

To make employment truly accessible, we need to keep improving:

  • Infrastructure – so all public transport is built with universal access in mind
  • Availability – so services reach people in outer suburbs and remote areas
  • Affordability – so no one is priced out of opportunity
  • Support – like travel training or peer mentoring to build independence

Final word: a job shouldn’t depend on a bus route

We believe everyone deserves the chance to find meaningful work, and public transport should support that goal, not stand in its way.

If you’re facing barriers to employment due to transport or other challenges, we’re here to help. Campbell Page’s free Disability Employment Services offer personalised, one-on-one support to help you find and keep a job that works for you.