Multi Purpose Taxi Program subsidy expanded to Uber for people with disabilities

People with severe and permanent disabilities will be able to claim subsidised transport across Victoria via Uber following a successful trial in Geelong.

People with severe and permanent disabilities will be able to claim subsidised transport across Victoria via Uber following a trial in Geelong.

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria chief executive Aaron de Rozario said the Multi Purpose Taxi Program subsidy was expanded to the Uber platform this week.

“Victorians with accessibility needs should be able to access a range of commercial passenger vehicles, just like anyone else in the community. This means being able to choose the type of service that meets their individual needs and lifestyle,” Mr de Rozario said.

Managing Director of Centre for Access, Thomas Banks, who is a disability advocate that participated in the Geelong trial, welcomed the state-wide rollout.

“I’m excited for the MPTP scheme to be available on the Uber platform, as are so many other people with disabilities who I’ve spoken to about this initiative,” Mr Banks said.

“We have all wanted Uber to be able to offer the MPTP subsidy for a long time because it’s much more convenient to use than the traditional taxi to get from A to B. The fact that the subsidy hadn’t been available for Uber trips disadvantaged the disability community immensely.

Uber driver Allison Paul and Managing Director of Centre for Access Thomas Banks.

“This initiative is finally going to give people with disabilities more choice. By using Uber I know I’ll get to the right destination quickly and safely, which is important. I love how simple the subsidy is to use on the Uber platform.

“I love how I don’t have to carry any cards with me and have to fumble in my bag to find it.

“I love how it’s automatically discounted and I can see the discounted price before I agree to take the trip. It’s just simple to use - as it should be.”

Uber Australia and New Zealand general manager, Dom Taylor, said: “For Uber, this is our first major step in improving transport options for Australians with a disability, but we see it as only the first of many.”

To register your MPTP place with Uber visit t.uber.com/EnrolMPTP

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Originally published as Multi Purpose Taxi Program subsidy expanded to Uber for people with disabilities