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More accessible transport choices for Victorians

In an Australian first, the Victorian Government is expanding the Multi Purpose Taxi Program to include Uber

16/07/21

In an Australian first, the Victorian Government is expanding the Multi Purpose Taxi ProgramExternal Link (MPTP) to include Uber, ensuring people with accessibility needs have access to a greater choice of subsidised transport options.

The state-wide expansion comes after a successful trial in Geelong, where Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) and Uber were able to facilitate over 170 rides and achieve a 100% satisfaction rating from customers.

What is the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)?

The MPTP supports people with a severe or permanent disability, whom hold a Centrelink concession card or DVA card, by offering subsidised taxi fares covering 50% of the cost of trips up to $60.

Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber Australia and New Zealand said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with CPVV to provide greater choice and flexibility with a technology-based, on-demand transport solution for Victorians accessing the MPTP subsidy. Every Australian jurisdiction has an equivalent scheme to MPTP and it’s exciting to see Victoria lead the way in providing more choice to those with accessibility needs.”

Aaron de Rozario, CEO, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria added, “Victorians with accessibility needs should be able to access a range of commercial passenger vehicles, just like anyone else in the community. This means being able to choose the type of service that meets their individual needs and lifestyle.”

Geelong trial participant, Thomas Banks, welcomed the state-wide roll out saying, “This initiative is finally going to give people with disabilities more choice. I love how simple the subsidy is to use on the Uber platform. I love how I don’t have to carry any cards with me and have to fumble in my bag to find it. I love how it’s automatically discounted and I can see the discounted price before I agree to take the trip. It’s just simple to use – as it should be.”

How does it work?

To access the MPTP you will need to sign up as a member, more information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Commercial Passenger Vehicles VictoriaExternal Link website.

Once your membership is complete, download the Uber app and complete the online formExternal Link . Make sure you include the email address that is connected to your Uber account, and have your MPTP member card number handy.

Once you have completed your online form, you will receive an email response from Uber within 24 hours.

I don’t have a smartphone – can I participate?

Only smartphones or tablets can be used to access the Uber app. However, the MPTP program includes all standard taxi services around Victoria – no smartphone required.

For more information please visit the Multi Purpose Taxi Program web pageExternal Link .

For Uber specific information please visit the Uber MPTP FAQ pageExternal Link .

Reviewed 25 July 2023

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV), formerly the Taxi Services Commission, is the new regulator of the commercial passenger vehicle industry.