More than $7.5 million has been announced in the state budget to make it easier for Queenslanders with disability to travel in taxis.
The budget will include $7.5 million for four years from 2024-25 to increase the Lift Payment, which is paid directly to taxi drivers who complete wheelchair jobs for members of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS). A further $1.8 million ongoing will be included to sustain the increased Lift Payment from 2028-29, the Government confirmed.
The Government’s $21 million Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) Grant Scheme will also be extended for another year until the end of June 2025 to support Queenslanders with disability to move around their community, said Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, Charis Mullen.
“This is a vital funding boost, one that will support those living with disability in the community, and people who support them,” said the Minister.
“Our Budget recognises the challenges all Queenslanders with disability face when it comes to transport.
“The extension of our WAT Grant Scheme and our funding uplift provides further incentive for eligible drivers to complete wheelchair trips and provides greater service for vulnerable Queenslanders.
“We will continue to work with industry and all levels of government to progress reforms to ensure all vulnerable people have the supports they need.”
Taxi Council of Queensland CEO, Blair Davies commended the Government on extending its commitment to partner with industry on modernising Queensland’s Wheelchair Accessible Taxi fleet.
“We want all of our customers to have the best taxi experiences possible, but especially our customers who have the extra challenge of needing to travel with their wheelchairs,” he said.
“TMR’s 50:50 funding for taxi operators to replace aging accessible taxis with new models is crucial to making that happen.
“The new Wheelchair Accessible Taxis ride better, they are safer, and they are also more efficient. This funding program is a win-win for taxi passengers with disability, our cabbies who service them, and also the environment.
“The Budget’s increase to the co-funding cap recognises the higher purchase prices of these specialised vehicles today. Similarly, the increase in Lift Fees payable to cabbies providing trips for wheelchair passengers brings these incentives now in line with rises in living costs since they were first introduced in 2016.”
Head online to qrida.qld.gov.au for further information on the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Scheme.
