Hon. Ken Travers asks about wheelchair accessibility and lifting fees for London cabs in Perth. The Parliamentary Secretary confirms accessibility but denies lifting fees initially, pending demand assessment.

AnsweredQoN 618Legislative Council
Asked
15 October 2013
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

TAXIS — LONDON CAB TRIAL
618. Hon KEN TRAVERS to the
parliamentary secretary representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the proposed trial of London cabs in Perth.
(1) Are the London cabs capable of carrying wheelchairs?
(2) Will the
cabs be approved to carry wheelchairs in Perth?
(3) If yes to
(2), will drivers be paid a lifting fee for passengers in wheelchairs; and, if
not, why not?
(4) If no to (2), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question.
(1) Yes.
(2) Yes. It
should be noted that the wheelchair-carrying features of the TX4 differ
significantly from those of multipurpose taxis in that the wheelchair is loaded
via ramp rather than by a lift. It is critical that correct training and
guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of wheelchair passengers and the
drivers loading them. The Department of Transport, in consultation with
industry and stakeholder groups, will determine the appropriate types of
wheelchairs that can be carried safely and the circumstances in which they can
be carried.
(3) No.
(4) The TX4
does not meet the accessibility and restraint standards for a multipurpose
taxi. Although it is envisaged that the TX4 will provide more travel options
for wheelchair passengers, it may not be a suitable substitute for all
multipurpose taxis. In the event that the trial indicates a high demand from
passengers travelling in a wheelchair, the policy on lifting fees will be reviewed.

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