- Regional WAV Taxi Service grants deliver new and additional accessible transport options to five WA regional towns in first year
- Grants up to $65,000 to support provision of regional WAV taxi services from annual pool of $260,000
- Part of Cook Government commitment of $1.5 million over four years to improve accessible transport around WA
The Cook Government has delivered a massive boost to accessible transport options for five major regional WA centres in the first year of the Regional Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi Service grant scheme.
Taxi service providers in Northam, Albany, Collie, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton have shared in $245,000 in grants to replace ageing wheelchair accessible taxi vehicles (WAV) or purchase an additional WAV to cater for demand of wheelchair accessible transport.
Avon Taxis has operated the WAV taxi service in Northam for over two years and used their $45,000 grant to replace an ageing vehicle.
In Albany, a $45,000 grant has been used by Albany Wheelchair Taxis to purchase a third WAV that is equipped to transport people with disability. This operator has 15 years experience providing wheelchair accessible taxi services in Albany.
The Cook Government’s commitment of $1.5 million over four years aims to establish new WAV taxi services or improve current transport options for people with disability in the regions through the scheme administered by the Department of Transport.
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
“The Cook Government is pleased to see this scheme roll out to regional centres to encourage provision of accessible transport services for local residents and visitors.
“The improvement of services in regional areas or the establishment of a new service will meet local demand for WAV taxis and provide added independence for people with disability.
“The 2023-24 Regional WAV Taxi Service Grant scheme will begin in Margaret River with another $260,000 in grants available to boost WAV taxi services in the regions.”
Location | Taxi service | Grant amount | Grant details |
Northam | Avon Taxis | $45,000 | This grant has enabled Avon Taxis to purchase a new WAV to meet customer demand in Northam. The company has operated WAV taxi service in the town for 2.5 years and has a steady customer base. |
Albany | Albany Wheelchair Taxis | $45,000 | This operator has provided wheelchair accessible taxi services for the past 15 years, currently operating two WAVs. This grant has been used to purchase a third vehicle to meet expected demand. |
Collie | Mario’s Taxis | $65,000 | Mario’s Taxis had offered wheelchair accessible taxi services to Collie for 23 years, but ceased service when the WAV was decommissioned in 2022. This grant will be used to purchase a new vehicle to resume WAV services to the town. |
Kalgoorlie | Twin City Cabs | $45,000 | This grant will be used to replace an ageing WAV taxi.The successful grant recipient operates for Twin City Cabs, who have operated a taxi service for more than 10 years, and understand the requirements of providing a WAV taxi service in regional WA. |
Geraldton | Associated Taxis | $45,000 | This grant will be used by Associated Taxis to replace the current ageing WAV taxi used for Geraldton customers. The company has extensive experience operating taxi services to the community and has an established customer base. |
Total approved Regional WAV Grants for 2022-23: $245,000 |
