Navigating public transport can be a challenge for many, but for those with disabilities, it can turn into a harrowing ordeal. This was the case for Chanelle Morris, a 25-year-old Australian woman whose recent experience on a bus left her sobbing and highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive public transport systems.

Chanelle, who was born with a visual impairment that leaves her with only 30% vision, faces daily struggles that many of us take for granted. From reading signs and menus to catching buses and navigating new environments, her disability presents constant challenges. But it was a particular incident involving public transport that brought her to a breaking point.


On a day like any other, Chanelle waited at her bus stop, which served only two routes. She had checked the schedule and knew her bus was running late due to roadworks. However, as the buses approached, she couldn't read their numbers to determine if they were the ones she needed. This forced her to hail down two buses, both of which turned out to be wrong. The second driver even spoke to her in a condescending manner, as if she were at fault for her inability to see.


The frustration and embarrassment of the situation overwhelmed Chanelle. She shared her experience in a video, expressing the emotional toll it took on her. 'I got off the bus and basically had a breakdown. I had to build up the strength to try again. I was in tears,' she told Yahoo News Australia. 'It was the worst experience ever. It took me a 40-minute bus drive to calm down. Society is the biggest barrier we face, it’s not inclusive. We live in a world not set up for disability. The anxiety gets overwhelming, it can be exhausting.'


Chanelle's predicament is not an isolated one. According to the latest ABS figures, 5.5 million Australians have a disability, and Vision Australia reports that 453,000 people have a visual impairment—a number expected to rise to 564,000 by 2030. This growing demographic underscores the need for public transport systems to adapt and become more accessible.

Translink, which operates Queensland's bus network, has acknowledged the issue and is exploring solutions, such as digital hailing systems, to assist those with impaired vision. They have also installed Near-field Communication (NFC) tags at bus stops, which link to webpages providing service disruption and real-time arrival information. While these are steps in the right direction, the onus should not be on the disabled to adapt, but on society to create an inclusive environment.

The outpouring of support for Chanelle in the comments of her video suggests that the public is ready for change. Suggestions like larger bus numbers and audio announcements at bus stops are simple yet effective measures that could make a significant difference.


As members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of us understand the importance of accessible services. We may have friends or family members with disabilities, or we may face mobility challenges ourselves as we age. Chanelle's story is a stark reminder that we must advocate for improvements in our public transport systems to ensure they serve everyone equitably.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with public transport accessibility. Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges? What changes would you like to see implemented to make public transport more inclusive for all Australians? Your stories and suggestions can help drive the conversation towards a more accessible future for everyone. Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment below. Let's work together to ensure that no one is left in tears or feeling like an inconvenience simply because they wish to travel from one place to another.