MPTP Review REPORT TABLED IN PARLIAMENT

The Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) has been providing subsidised travel for Victorians with a disability since 1983. The MPTP helps all Victorians to live a full life, by supporting access to vital medical care or helping to maintain social contact with family and friends.
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In 2017, the Victorian Government began to expand the MPTP. Initially only for traditional taxi travel, a wider variety of service providers, such as ridesharing services, can now participate in the Program. This has led to greater choices for MPTP members.

However, the expansion has also raised some concerns.

One of the main areas of concern identified by this report is Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs). The Committee learnt that around 15% of MPTP members rely on WAVs for their transport needs. Appallingly, the regulator, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV), does not know how many WAVs are currently operating on Victoria’s roads. This is due to a number of factors— primarily poor data management at CPVV and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure (LCEI) Committee has made recommendations to address this problem immediately, as well as regarding CPVV’s ongoing responsibilities.

Rod Barton, Leader Transport Matters Party and member of the LCEI Committee said, “Unfortunately, despite the CPVV being the industry regulator, it was made clear in findings of this report that they have no idea how many Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are active in Victoria or if they are based in regional or metro areas. In fact, you can say that for the entire industry.”

“Furthermore, the Committee found that the CPVV is likely unaware of how critical aspects of the Multi Purpose Taxi Program are functioning. This was made clear through many, many data errors as well as different numbers being provided and information that, once found false, had to be redacted.”

The LCEI Committee has also made recommendations on areas such as:

• safety
• concerns about ‘surge’ pricing
• the expected impact of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

These issues are integral to ensuring the ongoing success of the MPTP in providing the level of service its members deserve and to ensure trust and confidence in this important program are maintained.

Read the FULL Report Summary Inquiry into the MPTP in the latest edition of Drive Now Magazine (pages 7 to 11): HERE