Boost for wheelchair accessible taxi services in Broome and around the State

Broome could have its own wheelchair accessible taxi service after the State Government announced last week that it would invest $1.5 million over the next four years to establish wheelchair accessible taxi services in regional towns.

The new Regional WAV Taxi Service Grant Scheme initiative is hoped to encourage the establishment of WAV taxi services in towns such as Broome, Denmark and Esperance with the scheme offering two tiers of financial support from an annual funding pool of $260,000.

Grants of $65,000 from the pool will support the establishment of new WAV taxi services in towns where none exist and grants of $45,000 will support existing WAV taxi service providers to help replace ageing vehicles or to purchase an additional WAV taxi to meet demand.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the McGowan Government is committed to providing transport options for people of all abilities around the State.

“We know taxi services play an important role in providing a level of independence to many in our community and are aware that there is currently unmet demand in some regions,” she said.

“This new scheme offers long-term grant incentives to ease the cost burden for new operators to start servicing the areas where they’re needed the most, as well as ensuring the viability of existing service providers.

“I’m pretty proud that we’ve been able to introduce this new grant for taxi services with wheelchair accessibility and making sure that we continue to encourage people into that space by subsidising the vehicles and the equipment that’s on those vehicles.”

The existing WAV Modifications Grants will also get a boost, increasing from $15,000 to $20,000 to support the costs of installing wheelchair hoists and other associated modifications.

The Taxi User Subsidy Scheme which provides co-payments to drivers of WAV taxis will also be supported under the new scheme.

It is hoped the grants will offset costs for WAV taxi services across the state such as purchasing and fitting out a vehicle, licensing, inspections and transport authorisations.

Disability Services Minister Don Punch said the announcement is a fantastic boost for people with disability across Western Australia, and will ensure our regions are welcoming and accessible places for everyone to visit, live or invest in.

“The grants will mean the thousands of Western Australians with disability who require wheelchair accessible transport options are able to participate in all aspects of the community and the economy — both in their home towns and while travelling around the State.”

Further information on the Regional WAV Taxi Service Grant Scheme, including key dates and eligibility criteria, will be available from July 1 on the Department of Transport website.