Accessible Rides with Rydo:
Taxi Subsidy Schemes Australia

To apply for a taxi subsidy scheme, it’s key to recognise your state governments criteria. This is because each one has its own set of requirements.

See how below:

In New South Wales, you can qualify if you have a severe or permanent disability.

See these below:

• Physical/Mobility: Impairments that significantly limit the ability to walk or move independently.
• Visual Impairment: Vision loss that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses.
• Epilepsy: A condition that has a major impact on daily functions.
• Intellectual Disability: A cognitive impairment that doesn’t allow for independent taxi travel without constant assistance.
• Speech, and/or Hearing: Impairments that considerably impact on communication and daily functioning.

If you or your person in care meets the above criteria, the NSW government offers a subsidy of 50% off. With the maximum subsided taxi rate being $60.

*For more information on the taxi scheme for people with disabilities, visit transport NSW here.

In the state of Queensland, those with a severe or permanent disability have the right to a subsided taxi trip.

See these below:

• Physical/Mobility Issues: Conditions that limit the ability to walk or move independently.
• Visual Challenges: Vision loss that cannot be corrected by standard glasses or contact lenses.
• Epilepsy: A condition that impacts daily functioning and mobility.
• Intellectual Impairment: A condition where independent travel is not practical without assistance.
• Emotional/behavioural disorders: Conditions where daily activities cannot be done without support.

If yourself, or the person in care meets the criteria, you’re eligible for half the taxi trips cost to be paid. With the maximum subsidy amount being $30. For trips using a wheelchair accessible taxi, the driver is given a $25 lift payment.

*For more details on the taxi subsidy scheme and lift payment, visit the Queensland government site here.

For those who live in Victoria, there is a multi purpose taxi program (MPTP.) While this doesn’t specify the disability categories, there is a general guide. The role of a taxi subsidy in Victoria applies to those with a severe and permanent disability.

See some examples of this below:

• Cognitive Impairments
• Physical/Mobility Limitations
• Visual/Hearing Impairments

Also, the Victorian taxi fare subsidy program includes some financial criteria. This means that you, or your person in care must show proof of hardship. This includes a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Card (DVA), a Centrelink Pension Card (PCC), or a Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC.) If you’re eligible, there will be a subsidy of 50% off the taxi trip with a cap on $60 per trip.

*To learn more about the multi purpose taxi program, visit Safe Transport Victoria here.