Disability Taxi Travel Subsidies Explained

Navigating public transport can present challenges for individuals with disabilities. Fortunately, schemes are in place to ensure that essential travel remains accessible and affordable. In Queensland, the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) plays a crucial role in this regard, offering significant financial assistance for eligible residents. This scheme, along with the complementary Lift Payment, aims to enhance the taxi travel experience for those who rely on it. This article will delve into the intricacies of the TSS and Lift Payment, outlining who qualifies, how to apply, and the benefits available.

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS): A Lifeline for Accessible Travel

The TSS is a government initiative designed to subsidise taxi travel for individuals living with disabilities who meet specific eligibility criteria. The core benefit of the TSS is that it covers half the value of a member's taxi fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip. Crucially, there is no limit to the number of taxi journeys a member can undertake to benefit from this subsidy, making it a versatile support for regular travel needs. The subsidy is paid directly to taxi drivers, meaning members do not incur any additional costs beyond their half share of the fare. TSS membership is valid for a maximum of five years, and members must reapply before their expiry date to continue receiving the subsidy.

For eligible participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Queensland Government has confirmed that they can continue to access the TSS until appropriate transport support arrangements are finalised, with this access extending up to 31 October 2025. The government is actively collaborating with the Australian Government to ensure that suitable transport solutions are in place for NDIS-eligible TSS members.

Eligibility Criteria for the TSS

To be eligible for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, applicants must be a permanent resident of Queensland and fully meet at least one of the following six detailed criteria:

• Physical Disability Requiring Wheelchair Use: Individuals who require constant dependence on a wheelchair for all mobility outside their home.
• Severe Ambulatory Problems: Those experiencing a severe ambulatory problem that cannot be functionally improved and significantly restricts their ability to walk to an extremely limited distance.
• Vision Impairment: Individuals with total loss of vision or severe permanent visual impairment in both eyes.
• Severe Epilepsy: Those diagnosed with severe and uncontrollable epilepsy.
• Intellectual Impairment or Dementia: Individuals with an intellectual impairment or dementia that necessitates them being accompanied by another person at all times when travelling on public transport.
• Severe Emotional or Behavioural Disorders: Those with severe emotional and/or behavioural disorders leading to a level of disorganisation that requires them to be accompanied by another person at all times for public transport travel.

Temporary Approvals for Specific Circumstances

Temporary approval for the TSS can be considered for individuals with a clinical condition that results in a disability meeting the eligibility criteria. This is particularly relevant for those undergoing medical, surgical, or rehabilitative treatments for their disability, which require access to taxi travel for a period of at least five months.

How to Apply for the TSS

The application process for the TSS involves several key steps:

1. Complete Applicant Details: Fill out Part A of the Taxi Subsidy Application Form. If you are unable to use the online form, you can contact 1300 134 755 for assistance.
2. Provide a Witnessed Photo: You will need to provide one colour passport-sized photograph that has been witnessed.
3. Health Professional Assessment: Visit a relevant certified health professional (e.g., doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist) to complete Parts B and C of the application form.
4. Submit Application: Send the completed application form, along with the health professional's reports and the witnessed photograph, via email to [email protected] (ensure photos are in JPEG format and applications/reports are in PDF) or by post to:
   Taxi Subsidy Unit
   Department of Transport and Main Roads
   PO Box 13347
   BRISBANE QLD 4003

The Lift Payment: Incentivising Accessible Taxi Services

In addition to the TSS, the Lift Payment is a vital component designed to improve service provision for TSS members and ensure that personalised transport services remain accessible. This payment is an incentive for drivers of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs).

The TSS pays a Lift Payment of $25 (including GST) to drivers for each eligible WAT trip that involves transporting a TSS member who is required to travel in a wheelchair. Importantly, the Lift Payment is separate from the taxi fare, meaning it does not add any extra cost to the TSS member. On Christmas Day each year, this incentive is doubled to $50 per eligible trip, recognising the increased demand and importance of accessible transport during the festive period.

Confirming Wheelchair Use for Lift Payments

To ensure drivers are eligible to receive the Lift Payment, TSS members who are required to use a wheelchair when travelling by taxi should confirm this information. If your original application did not specify wheelchair use, or if your circumstances have changed, you will need to complete the Transport and Main Roads corporate form F5411 – Taxi Subsidy Scheme Wheelchair Use Confirmation Form. Once your wheelchair usage is confirmed by a health professional, the TSS will facilitate Lift Payments to WAT drivers for each journey they undertake with you.

What you need to do to confirm wheelchair use:

• Ask your health professional (GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or registered nurse) to complete, print, and sign the confirmation form, then post it to:
  Taxi Subsidy Scheme
  PO Box 13347
  BRISBANE QLD 4003
• Alternatively, have your health professional complete the form electronically, digitally sign it, save it as a PDF, and email it to [email protected].

This form should only be completed if you are a TSS member and are required to remain seated in a wheelchair when travelling by taxi.

Understanding Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs)

Vehicles must meet specific requirements to be licensed as a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) in Queensland. WAT drivers are mandated to give preference to passengers travelling in a wheelchair. At other times, these vehicles can be used to provide general taxi services to any member of the public.

Booking Procedures for Lift Payments

To ensure accurate reconciliation and distribution of Lift Payments, all eligible journeys must be recorded on the taxi booking company's system. Drivers are entitled to the Lift Payment even for journeys commencing from a taxi rank or hailed from the street. To claim this, the driver must immediately contact their booking company, provide the passenger's name and TSS membership details, and ensure the job is logged in their system. Importantly, a booking fee should not be applied to Lift Payment journeys that start from a rank or are hailed.

Fare Administration and Lift Payments

The Lift Payment is never added to a TSS member's fare. Instead, this incentive is paid separately through the same channels used for TSS payments. Depending on the booking company's structure, payments are made either directly to the booking company for distribution to operators, or in exempt areas, directly to the operators or owners. Operators are obligated to pass on the full $25 or $50 Lift Payment to the relevant driver. For the TSS subsidy itself to be applied, the fare must be calculated using the taximeter.

Additional Support and Information

Assistance Animals

Any passenger is permitted to be accompanied by an assistance animal if required. Further information regarding assistance animals in personalised transport services is available.

Authority to Act

For those who need assistance managing their TSS membership and application matters, the TSS Authority to Act form (F5412) can be used to appoint a trusted person. This nominated individual can then:

• Discuss all aspects of your TSS application or membership.
• Update your TSS application or membership details, including contact information.
• Report a lost or damaged TSS Smartcard.
• Order interstate taxi vouchers.
• Renew or cancel your TSS application or membership.

To appoint an Authority to Act:

• Complete the form, print, sign, and post it to:
  Taxi Subsidy Scheme
  PO Box 13347
  BRISBANE QLD 4003
• Alternatively, complete the form electronically, digitally sign it, save it as a PDF, and email it to [email protected].

Important Notes:

• If you have an existing Power of Attorney document, you can submit a copy of this instead of completing the Authority to Act form.
• If you wish to register more than one person to act on your behalf, you will need to provide a separate Power of Attorney document for each person or complete a separate Authority to Act form for each individual.

Further Assistance

For more information about the TSS and Lift Payment, or to cancel your membership, you can contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 1300 134 755 or email [email protected].

If you require assistance with NDIS transport funding, please visit the NDIS website or call 1800 800 110. The TSS team is also available to assist on 1300 134 755.

Information regarding travelling safely in Queensland with a wheelchair or mobility scooter is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme?
A1: Permanent residents of Queensland who meet at least one of the six specified disability criteria, such as requiring a wheelchair for mobility, severe ambulatory issues, significant vision impairment, severe epilepsy, or intellectual/behavioural impairments requiring constant accompaniment.

Q2: How much subsidy can I receive?
A2: The TSS subsidises half of the taxi fare, up to a maximum of $30 per trip. There is no limit on the number of subsidised trips.

Q3: What is the Lift Payment?
A3: The Lift Payment is a $25 incentive paid to drivers of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) for transporting TSS members who use a wheelchair. On Christmas Day, this payment doubles to $50.

Q4: Do I need to confirm my wheelchair use?
A4: Yes, if you are a TSS member and are required to travel in a wheelchair, you need to confirm this with a health professional using the F5411 form to ensure WAT drivers receive the Lift Payment.

Q5: Can someone else manage my TSS application?
A5: Yes, you can appoint a trusted person to act on your behalf by completing the TSS Authority to Act form (F5412) or by providing a Power of Attorney document.

Q6: How long is my TSS membership valid?
A6: TSS membership is valid for a maximum of five years, after which you must reapply to extend it.

Q7: What if my disability is temporary but meets the criteria?
A7: Temporary approval may be considered if your clinical condition requires access to taxi travel for at least five months due to ongoing treatment.

Q8: Can I travel with an assistance animal?
A8: Yes, passengers are permitted to travel with an assistance animal if required.

Conclusion

The Taxi Subsidy Scheme and the associated Lift Payment represent a significant commitment by the Queensland Government to improve transport accessibility for individuals with disabilities. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the benefits offered, eligible residents can make the most of these valuable schemes, ensuring greater independence and ease of travel.