Lift Payment: Priority Taxi Bookings for Wheelchair Users

Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) wheelchair users can now have their cab bookings prioritised with the Palaszczuk Government providing $5.6 million in incentive payments to the drivers of wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs). 

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said new $20 Lift Payments were designed to improve taxi waiting times for Queenslanders who rely on a wheelchair for their mobility.   

“The $20 Lift Payment is expected to provide an incentive for the drivers of wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) to prioritise bookings from wheelchair-dependent TSS members," Mr Hinchliffe said. 

"It also recognises the additional time needed by drivers to assist wheelchair users with boarding.

"By ensuring the $20 Lift Payment is made directly by the Palaszczuk Government to the driver or operator of the wheelchair accessible taxi it means there is no increase in fare costs for TSS passengers." 

The Lift Payment applies to each eligible wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT) trip involving the transportation of a Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) member travelling in a wheelchair. 

Queenslanders meeting the Taxi Subsidy Scheme’s (TSS) eligibility criteria receive a 50 percent subsidy for taxi travel up to a maximum of $25 per trip. 

The $5.6 million Lift Payment incentive package is part of the $100 million Industry Adjustment Assistance Package, passed by the Queensland Parliament in December. 

Included in the Industry Adjustment Assistance Package is a range of financial, advisory and incentive measures, including the Lift Payment, to assist operators to adjust to industry changes. 

Consultation regarding the next stage of personalised transport reforms is continuing with the Personalised Transport Industry Reference Group (PTIRG) meeting earlier this week. 

For more information on the Lift Payment, visit http://personalisedtransport.tmr.qld.gov.au/ 

For more information on the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, visit https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/disability/taxi-subsidy-scheme 

Media contact: 0475 950 772