Select Committee Inquiry into New South Wales (NSW) Taxi Industry - Wheelchair Accessible taxis (WATs)

December 2010

The NSW government responded to the NSW inquiry into the Taxi industry on the 1st of December laying out their responses to the parliamentary committees 59 recommendations.

Overall, the recommendations that have been made to the usage of wheelchair accessible taxis have been well thought out by the committee. This high level analysis can only help to shape and strengthen the further implementation of WATs.

In large part, we agree with the responses, and pose the following general comments and questions.

On the topic of increasing the number of WATs from the current 11 per cent to 50 per cent over the next 10years, does this figure consider the ongoing demand that is placed on the transport system, with a growing population?

Furthermore, a comprehensive study including a forecast of the expected levels of people living with a disability requiring WAT transport would ensure the correct numbers of WATs are introduced into the transport system.

In relation to the current arrangement between Transport NSW and both the Home and Community Care Transport Sub Program and NSW Community Transport Program, where local taxis are currently used for transporting 8 per cent of all community transport, does this figure impact on availability of taxis that would otherwise be vacant for people with disabilities?

Also, with the increasing pressures placed on the above Community Programs, does the above method achieve its set targets within its budgets or merely transfer ownership onto another service?

We support a Service Delivery Charter between Transport NSW and passengers. We feel that this would be a commitment to the legitimacy of WAT response times, customer service and professionalism of the driver.

With reference to Transport NSW currently ensuring that all new replacement WATs comply with the Commonwealth Standards and WAT Measurement Protocols, there is a need to ensure that compliance information, such as wheelchair space measurements and roof heights are freely available to the public. This would also highlight a process for anyone wishing toaddress their concerns with compliance issues. An ideal one stop shop would have such material published on the Transport NSW website.

The recommendation raised about wheelchair accessible taxi ranks would ensure easy access to the taxi vehicle, by the passenger in a safe and reasonable manner, as well as for the driver. Although this is supported in principal, is there a due date for all councils to comply with this?

We agree with the recommendation of increasing the TTSS to half the total fare, up to the maximum of $50 per taxi ride, and would also support that this amount would be monitored with CPI and fare increase adjustments, to reflect such increases. We also strongly support that IPART be part of the above communication, to provide independent adviceand to review WAT costings.

With respect to NSW Taxi Industry introducing an electronic card system to facilitate payments made under the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, we agree that such a system would be cost effective, reduce any discrepancies and provide benefit to passengers.

We also support that all taxi drivers in Sydney undertake disability awareness training, as this would reduce any misconceptions that currently exists within the industry. In addition, we would encourage close interaction with Transport NSW and Disability Groups about training modules. Training should incorporate topics such as transfer techniques, the reasons for and use of wheelchair restraints, assisting people with disabilities alighting and exiting vehicles in a dignifying manner, respectful cash handling, disassembling manual wheelchairs and people skills.

The final report and government response are available from the inquiry website.

Click here to view our submission to the inquiry.