Source: Office of the Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Hon Lynne Kosky MP

Media release

From the Minister for Public Transport   

Wednesday, 19 November, 2008

MAJOR CHANGES TO REVAMP TAXI SERVICES FOR VICTORIANS

Victorians who rely on wheelchair taxi services and those who receive Brumby Government subsidised fares will benefit from a major overhaul of disability taxi services.

Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky today announced a further 330 wheelchair accessible taxi licences and a doubling of the Multi Purpose Taxi Program’s trip and annual caps would assist people with disabilities to be better connected to their family and community while being able to maintain independence.

And she announced the release of an additional 200 conventional taxi licences into the greater Melbourne area to address the undersupply of taxis, particularly at peak times.

“I am absolutely delighted to announce these significant improvements to taxi services, especially the increase of the availability and accessibility to taxi services for Victorians in wheelchairs and those who use taxis as their primary travel mode,” Ms Kosky said.

“Taxis are a critical mode of transport for people with disabilities, and with this in mind, the Brumby Government has noted the concerns of people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, in regards to waiting times for wheelchair accessible taxis and other service issues.

“The Brumby Government knows one of the best ways to secure a person’s health is for them to maintain links with their community while keeping their independence.”

The Multi Purpose Taxi Program entitles eligible card holders to a 50 per cent subsidy from the Government for each taxi trip, and makes transport more accessible for Victorians with a disability.

From December 13, the MPTP trip cap will increase from $30 to $60 and the annual subsidy cap from $1090 to $2180. The increase of 330 wheelchair accessible taxis will mean these cabs will make up 15 per cent of the Victorian fleet, reducing waiting times and increasing availability.

New performance quotas and a new booking system will ensure that WAT services are being dedicated to wheelchair work, and increased driver lifting fees will provide an added incentive for drivers to service people in wheelchairs.

These reforms are due in part to the Brumby Government’s response into the Essential Services Commissions report into the taxi industry.

• Other changes to be introduced include:
  A 6.1 per cent fare increase from 13 December 2008, adding an extra $1.20 to the average 10km fare of $19.68. This will ensure drivers are getting fairly remunerated, and assist operators fund higher operating costs and safety measures such as driver protection screens;
• A model bailment agreement for drivers and operators to provide drivers with greater protection of their rights and ensure that the agreements they are entering into are fair and transparent; and
• Increasing the lifting fee paid to taxi drivers from $10 to $14 per trip for WAT work across Victoria, making WAT work of equal value as conventional taxis.

“The Brumby Government is committed to progressing immediate, medium and longer-term initiatives that will improve taxi service levels and quality for the Victorian community,” Ms Kosky said.

“By introducing new licences into the market we are ensuring that passengers aren’t kept waiting for taxis, and we’re also providing real opportunity for experienced drivers to run their own vehicle.

“Increasing the number of taxis on the road is also a response to the growing population of Victoria.

“As well as these measures we’ll be keeping up the pressure on operators to provide safe, clean, reliable vehicles for their passengers to travel in.

“I’m very confident that the taxi industry will embrace these reforms and work with Government to provide better customer service and stable careers for drivers.”