❓ The WA government is consolidating MPT services into a single entity to improve service levels for wheelchair users, citing a review and consultation with disability groups. A competitive tender process will determine the service provider, aiming for industry reform and innovation.
AnsweredQoN 3875Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to multi-purpose taxi (MPT) services for people who travel in wheelchairs or scooters in Western Australia, and I ask: (a) is planning currently under way to place all of the MPT wheelchair taxis fleet in Western Australia into a single entity; (b) if yes to (a), why has the decision been made to reduce the number of service providers of MPT services to one; (c) if yes to (a), what consultation has been undertaken within the community to assess the implications of these proposed changes; (d) if yes to (a), will the service provider be determined by a competitive tender process and when will the details of the tender process be known; and (e) is the Minister aware that concerns are held by the wider community that the proposed changes to MPT will stifle competition, reduce innovation and services and deny choice of provider to people with disability?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
10 May 2016
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Transport
Response time
56 days
(a) Yes.
(b) It is evident that the service levels offered to taxi passengers who travel in wheelchairs are well below an acceptable standard. A review into the operations of the current MPT coordinators concluded that a dedicated taxi dispatch service should be established to meet the specific needs of passengers who require a wheelchair accessible taxi.
(c) The Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, the Disability Services Commission, National Disability Services (WA) and People with Disability (WA) have been consulted to canvass views in respect to the implementation of the MPT Dispatch Service. The comments and feedback from drivers and passengers have also been carefully considered during the review process.
(d) Yes, the successful tenderer will be announced shortly.
(e) The comments and feedback from drivers and passengers have been carefully considered during the review process. Changes to MPT services reflect the Governments broader reform of Western Australia’s highly regulated on-demand transport industry to meet changing consumer expectations. Current rules and regulations are far too prescriptive, complex and stifle innovation. The Government’s reforms will create a level playing field for the industry, and a safe, reliable and affordable service to customers. Drivers will also have the choice to pay a transactional fee, rather than fixed weekly fees. The industry will continue to grow under the new measures, provided operators and plate owners and lessees move quickly to adapt.
(b) It is evident that the service levels offered to taxi passengers who travel in wheelchairs are well below an acceptable standard. A review into the operations of the current MPT coordinators concluded that a dedicated taxi dispatch service should be established to meet the specific needs of passengers who require a wheelchair accessible taxi.
(c) The Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability, the Disability Services Commission, National Disability Services (WA) and People with Disability (WA) have been consulted to canvass views in respect to the implementation of the MPT Dispatch Service. The comments and feedback from drivers and passengers have also been carefully considered during the review process.
(d) Yes, the successful tenderer will be announced shortly.
(e) The comments and feedback from drivers and passengers have been carefully considered during the review process. Changes to MPT services reflect the Governments broader reform of Western Australia’s highly regulated on-demand transport industry to meet changing consumer expectations. Current rules and regulations are far too prescriptive, complex and stifle innovation. The Government’s reforms will create a level playing field for the industry, and a safe, reliable and affordable service to customers. Drivers will also have the choice to pay a transactional fee, rather than fixed weekly fees. The industry will continue to grow under the new measures, provided operators and plate owners and lessees move quickly to adapt.
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