Ljiljanna Ravlich

Ljiljanna Ravlich

Minister for Local Government; Racing and Gaming; Multicultural Interests and Citizenship; Government Enterprises; Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure; Goldfields-Esperance; Youth

    New subsidies to improve regional MPT services

    23/01/2008 3:00 PM
     
    23/1/08

    Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Ljiljanna Ravlich today announced the provision of interim funding by the State Government to support subsidies for Multi-Purpose Taxis and wheelchair accessible taxis operating in regional areas of Western Australia.

    Ms Ravlich said the subsidies and incentives, developed in consultation with industry and consumers, would provide welcome financial relief to taxi operators and help to improve service levels for people with disabilities and the elderly throughout the State.

    “Similar subsidies for the MPT industry in the metropolitan area have resulted in significant improvements to the performance and quality of wheelchair taxi services since its introduction last year,” she said.

    “I strongly support the extension of Multi-Purpose Taxi (MPT) subsidies to country operators and that is why I fast-tracked the development of the Country Taxi Act early last year.

    ”When this legislation is introduced later this year, it will finally bring the country taxi industry into line with its metropolitan counterpart through the creation of an industry-funded initiative, similar to the metropolitan Taxi Industry Development Account (TIDA), which funds metropolitan MPT subsidies.”

    Subsidies available will include:
    • the introduction of a vehicle modification grant of $15,000 towards the cost of modifying a vehicle so that it is wheelchair accessible;
    • the introduction of a $7 lifting-fee subsidy provided to MPT operators for each wheelchair job undertaken through the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme; and
    • the introduction of a $700 vehicle equipment grant to pay for installation of an additional taxi meter which can be read by passengers in wheelchairs.
    “These subsidies will take effect for trips undertaken from February 1 this year,” the Minister said.

    “All country wheelchair accessible taxi owners will be contacted by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, who will provide advice on how to apply for the subsidies.”

    Further information about subsidy applications is available by calling 9216 8184.

    Minister's Office-9213 6800