The parliamentary inquiry into the Multi Purpose Taxi Program commences with two days of public hearings this week.

Being conducted by the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee, the hearings will be live streamed on the Victorian Parliament’s website on Tuesday 19 October from 10:45 am and Thursday 21 October from 9.30 am.

The schedules are available on the Committee’s website.

The inquiry is focusing on the safety standards for members of the public that travel on the Multi Purpose Taxi Program.

“We will be hearing from a range of people at this week’s hearings about the minimum safety standards required for vehicles operating within the program,” said Committee Chair Enver Erdogan.

“We are paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable community members, including people with disability.

“This includes an examination of how we can ensure good governance is maintained in the program.”

Tuesday’s hearing will begin with industry representatives, including the Victorian Taxi Association.

Other industry participants include Transport Alliance Australia and regional taxi operators from Ballarat, Geelong and Wodonga.

Thursday’s hearing will include LINK Community Transport, which provides accessible and flexible transport to people experiencing transport disadvantage, as well as representatives from the disability sector, including Vision Australia and National Disability Services.

Uber, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria and the Department of Transport will also be among those presenting.

“As part of the inquiry we will be considering pathways for the industry to absorb changes post COVID-19,” Mr Erdogan said.

“During these two days of hearings a range of industry representatives will speak with us as we consider recommendations for the effective operation of the program going forward.”

Issued: 18 October 2021 by Parliament of Victoria