Bendigo Taxis: A Vital Service Under Pressure

24/01/2025

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In the regional Victorian city of Bendigo, a crucial transport service is facing significant hurdles. Bendigo Taxis, particularly its wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), plays an indispensable role for residents who rely on these specialised services for their mobility and independence. However, the business is currently operating at a loss, prompting urgent calls for state government assistance to ensure its continued viability. The situation highlights a broader challenge within the taxi industry, especially for providers of essential accessibility services in regional areas.

For many in Bendigo, like Deb Owen, a long-time passenger who uses a wheelchair, Bendigo Taxis is more than just a transport provider; it's a lifeline. Ms. Owen recounts a deeply personal experience where her taxi driver not only ensured her safe journey home after a distressing robbery but also provided unwavering support by accompanying her to the police station and staying with her during the interview. "You don't get that in Melbourne," she remarked, underscoring the unique, community-focused nature of the service in Bendigo. This level of care and personal connection transforms drivers into what passengers describe as part of an "extended family."

Lynn Cooper, mother of another regular passenger, Owen Cooper, echoes these sentiments. She emphasises the invaluable nature of the service, stating, "The wheelchair taxi drivers are [like] part of our extended family." She praises the drivers for their exceptional dedication, noting that "They really bend over backwards to try to help — they're exceptional staff." However, she also points out the immense pressure that this vital service is under, hinting at the underlying financial and operational difficulties.

The Fleet and Its Challenges

Bendigo Taxis operates a fleet that includes approximately eleven wheelchair-accessible vehicles, with an average of eight on the road at any given time. While these vehicles are essential, their availability is often stretched thin. Demand is particularly high during weekday mornings and mid-afternoons, leading to the vehicles being fully booked. This high demand means that securing a WAV, especially for emergency situations or without advance booking, can be virtually impossible. The limited operational hours, with services becoming scarce in the evenings and on weekends, further exacerbate the challenges faced by passengers.

Colin Wells, the manager of Bendigo Taxis, understands the complete reliance passengers have on his service. "Our passengers are totally reliant on the service we provide," he stated. This reliance places a significant responsibility on the company, especially given the economic realities of operating specialised vehicles. The introduction of market deregulation in 2017 by the Victorian government, which restricted subsidies to WAV providers and allowed any company to offer these services, has created an uneven playing field. Crucially, there is no current legal requirement for companies to provide WAV services to communities, nor are there sufficient incentives to encourage such provision.

The Economic Viability Crisis

The core issue, as identified by Mr. Wells, is the economic viability of the wheelchair taxi fleet. "The main cause of the issue has been deregulation, pure and simple," he asserts. "The wheelchair fleet just is not economically viable." Operating WAVs incurs higher costs due to vehicle purchase, maintenance, and specialised equipment. Without adequate government support or subsidies, it becomes exceedingly difficult for a private company to sustain this essential service, especially in regional areas where the passenger base might be smaller compared to metropolitan centres. Expecting a single private entity to bear the full financial burden is, in Mr. Wells's view, "unfair."

The consequences of this financial strain are stark. Passengers with mobility needs can find themselves stranded and socially isolated when the service is unavailable. This lack of reliable transport limits their ability to participate in community life, access essential services like medical appointments, and maintain their independence. The situation is particularly dire for those who do not have alternative transport options, making Bendigo Taxis' WAVs their only means of getting around.

Seeking Government Intervention

In response to these pressing challenges, Mr. Wells has put forward a proposal to the state government. He suggests a trial program where the government would provide new WAVs for Bendigo's fleet. In return, Bendigo Taxis would agree to repay the government by contributing a portion of its monthly earnings until the vehicles are fully paid off. To ensure the vehicles are consistently used for their intended purpose, Mr. Wells also proposed a condition requiring a minimum number of daily wheelchair lifts.

He has expressed his willingness to implement any safeguards the government deems necessary to prevent the scheme from being misused. "I'm happy for whatever protection the government of the day thinks is needed to ensure that this scheme isn't abused," he said. Despite these proactive proposals, Mr. Wells reports that the government's response has been slow, with "The responses have been stalling, and the actions taken are zero."

Parliamentary Recommendations and Their Impact

A recent parliamentary inquiry into the Victorian multi-purpose taxi program acknowledged the struggles the taxi industry faces in meeting the demand for WAV services. One of the key recommendations implemented was an amendment to the lifting fee paid to drivers for assisting passengers who use wheelchairs. While this may offer some minor relief, Mr. Wells argues that it does not address the fundamental issue of acquiring new vehicles and maintaining the fleet.

Mr. Wells has formally submitted his proposal to the state government and received a letter from the Department of Transport indicating that his points would be taken into consideration. However, concrete actions and support have yet to materialise. The ABC has reached out to the Transport Minister, Ben Carroll, and the state opposition for comment, highlighting the broader political interest and concern surrounding this issue.

The Future of Accessible Transport in Bendigo

The situation in Bendigo serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing accessible transport in regional Australia. The demand for wheelchair-accessible taxis is clear and growing, driven by an aging population and increased awareness of disability inclusion. Yet, the economic model for providing these services remains fragile. Without a more robust support framework from the state government, regional providers like Bendigo Taxis risk facing increasing difficulties in meeting community needs.

The commitment and dedication of drivers like those at Bendigo Taxis, who go above and beyond for their passengers, are commendable. They are the heart of a service that fosters independence and social connection. However, their efforts alone cannot sustain a service that requires significant capital investment and ongoing operational support.

The call for government assistance is not merely a plea for financial aid; it is a demand for recognition of the essential nature of accessible transport. It is about ensuring that all members of the community, regardless of their mobility, have the right to reliable and safe transportation. The proposed trial, if implemented, could offer a sustainable model for other regional areas facing similar challenges.

Comparison of Taxi Services in Regional Victoria

To understand the context better, let's consider a hypothetical comparison of operational challenges for taxi services in regional Victoria:

This table illustrates that while all regional taxi services face unique challenges, those focusing on specialised needs like wheelchair accessibility bear a disproportionate financial burden, particularly in the absence of targeted government support. The situation in Bendigo highlights the critical need for policy adjustments that acknowledge and address these disparities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Are Bendigo Taxis wheelchair-accessible?
A: Yes, Bendigo Taxis operates a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). However, due to high demand and operational challenges, availability can be limited, especially without advance booking.

Q2: Why is Bendigo Taxis struggling financially?
A: The company is reportedly operating at a loss primarily due to the high costs associated with maintaining and operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Deregulation of the taxi industry and a lack of sufficient government subsidies have also contributed significantly.

Q3: What kind of support does Bendigo Taxis need?
A: Bendigo Taxis is calling on the state government to intervene and provide assistance, potentially through a trial program involving government-funded new WAVs that the company would repay over time. They also seek policies that acknowledge the essential nature of their service.

Q4: How important is this service to the Bendigo community?
A: The wheelchair-accessible taxi service is crucial for many residents who rely on it for their mobility, independence, and social participation. Passengers often describe the drivers as being like family due to the high level of care and personal support they provide.

Q5: What has been the government's response so far?
A: The government has acknowledged the proposal and stated it will be taken into consideration. However, the company reports a lack of concrete actions or support to date. Parliamentary recommendations have been made, but they are seen as insufficient to address the core financial issues.

The future of Bendigo's wheelchair-accessible taxi service hinges on finding a sustainable solution that balances community need with economic viability. The dedication of the drivers and the clear reliance of passengers underscore the urgency of this matter, making it a critical issue for policymakers in Victoria.

Are Bendigo taxis wheelchair-accessible? — When Bendigo's Deb Owen was robbed a few years ago, she never expected her taxi driver would be the one to sit with her at the police station. "You don't get that in Melbourne," she said. For Bendigo residents like Ms Owens who use a wheelchair or mobility device, Bendigo Taxis' wheelchair-accessible vehicles are often their only form of transport.

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