Torrens Transit partnered with Public Transport South Australia (PTSA) and community organisations including Guide Dogs SA/NT and Feros Care to support the Try Before You Ride activation at the Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth.
Designed to help people with accessibility needs gain confidence using public transport, the free community event gave participants a safe, welcoming, and practical introduction to travelling independently on Adelaide Metro services.
As part of Adelaide Metro's broader Try Before You Ride program, participants were guided through every stage of a public transport journey, from planning a trip and understanding ticketing options to boarding and exiting safely, using accessibility features and travelling with mobility aids.
Torrens Transit was proud to provide a bus and support from experienced driver Richard Fairbrother, who played a key role in helping participants become familiar with the bus environment in a relaxed and supportive setting. Attendees could ask questions, practise their skills, and gain hands-on experience at their own pace.
For many participants, the benefits extend far beyond learning how to catch a bus. Building confidence on public transport can open doors to greater independence, making it easier to access employment, education, healthcare and community activities. By reducing uncertainty and removing barriers, programs like Try Before You Ride help create a more inclusive and connected community.
At Torrens Transit, providing a great customer experience means more than delivering safe and reliable services. It means working closely with government, industry and community partners to ensure public transport is accessible, welcoming and easy to use for everyone. Collaborations with organisations such as Guide Dogs SA/NT and Feros Care help us better understand our customers' diverse needs and support initiatives that empower people to travel with confidence.
A special thank you goes to Richard Fairbrother for his professionalism, patience and enthusiasm throughout the day. His practical guidance and encouragement helped participants build confidence and demonstrated the positive impact our people have in the communities we serve.
Initiatives like Try Before You Ride reflect Torrens Transit's ongoing commitment to creating a transport network that is inclusive, accessible and customer-focused. By working together with our partners and engaging directly with the community, we can help ensure every customer feels confident, valued and welcome every time they travel with us.
