- Black and White Cabs appointed as the dedicated multi-purpose taxi (MPT) dispatch service provider
- Under the new arrangements, wait times will be reduced and all MPT requests will be monitored in real time to ensure jobs are completed
Black and White Cabs has been appointed as the dedicated multi-purpose taxi (MPT) dispatch service for the delivery of wheelchair accessible taxi services in the Perth metropolitan area.
The announcement by the State Government is part of its commitment to improving outcomes for taxi passengers travelling with wheelchairs.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the decision to appoint a dedicated dispatch service followed a review of MPT services and the Department of Transport's ongoing work with disability support services on behalf of passengers who travelled with wheelchairs.
"For some people living with disability and travelling with a wheelchair, taxis may be the only available transport option," Mr Nalder said.
"The appointment of a dedicated dispatch service will ensure they have the same access to a responsive and reliable taxi service as the rest of the travelling community."
The Minister said the current dual MPT co-ordinator arrangement had been ineffective and outcomes for wheelchair-accessible taxi patrons were poor.
"The evidence presented to me is that operators place much lower priority on MPT jobs during peak periods, resulting in reduced service to vulnerable taxi users during these times," he said.
"Taxi dispatch service performance levels for multi-purpose taxis have been well below that of conventional taxis, and having a single, dedicated service provider will make a new dispatch service more accountable for the service it delivers.
"Passengers will find it easier and simpler to book a MPT by contacting just one dispatch service provider."
Under the new arrangements, wait times will be reduced through the management of a centralised fleet and vehicle roster system that will match demand, while MPT requests will be monitored in real time ensuring all jobs are completed.
Currently, there are 109 MPTs operating in the metropolitan taxi fleet, which represents about five per cent of the total metropolitan fleet. All 109 MPTs can utilise the Black and White Cabs MPT dispatch service.
"For those drivers who have a regular MPT passenger, they can continue to provide this service under the new dispatch service arrangements," Mr Nalder said.
"All that is required is the driver logs the service request with Black and White Cabs MPT dispatch service."
The Government will be consulting with Black and White Taxis, and informing MPT drivers and passengers on the transition and commencement plans of the new service.
The dedicated dispatch service contract is part of the Government's commitment to continuous improvement in accessible and safe on-demand transport services.
Fact File
- The new MPT dispatch service arrangement will remove the requirement for MPT drivers to complete 60 jobs per month
- Drivers will receive a Service Co-payment, replacing the Lifting Fee for jobs logged through the MPT dispatch service
- The appointment is part of the Government's co-ordinated MPT dispatch strategy to provide improved management of taxi services for passengers travelling with wheelchairs
Minister's office - 6552 6400
