A Win for Wheelchair Transport Training

The NSW Government has announced a $15 million boost for Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi (WAT) services to be spent across the state over the next 12 months.

The availability of WAT services in regional NSW has plummeted over the past five years. Coupled with a shortage of properly trained drivers, this has left wheelchair users stranded, missing essential events, and facing unsafe transport conditions. Meanwhile, the Community Transport sector has struggled to fill the growing gap in services.

Andy Hughes, Director of Hughes Training Group based in Queanbeyan NSW, said, “We need to invest in high-quality training programs for WAT drivers – programs that emphasise proper techniques for loading, securing, and unloading wheelchair passengers. These programs should also include a comprehensive road safety awareness package tailored to the unique challenges and responsibilities of this critical role.”

Enhanced road safety training for wheelchair transport operators is essential to building a robust regional transport industry that serves our most vulnerable communities. This is especially critical for those living outside the Sydney metropolitan area. Residents in small towns and remote communities, reliant on accessible transport, have too often been left without vital services.

Mr. Hughes highlighted that the safety experience for wheelchair users during transportation remains largely undocumented, however available evidence suggests they face heightened risks per kilometre travelled. Drawing on his extensive experience in the delivery of WAT training and licence assessments in the ACT and surrounding NSW region, he stated, “Injuries occur during loading or unloading and from improperly secured wheelchairs. Enhancing WAT driver training is a critical step to mitigating these risks.”

Recent community roundtables were held in Sydney, Wagga Wagga, Ballina, and Orange between November 2023 and July 2024. With input from a wide variety of representative disability organisations, the taxi industry, and community transport operators, the roundtables revealed widespread issues.
Issues that include late pick-ups, unsafe handling, and untrained drivers, resulting in substandard services. For people like Mark Tonga, who relies on WATs, these challenges significantly impact daily life. “They’re rare, mate. You’ve got more chance of finding a unicorn,” he told the ABC in December.
Emergency Funding to Boost WAT Services

The NSW Government has responded with a $15 million emergency package to address the critical shortage of WAT services, with funding rolling out from early 2025. Key measures include:

$12 million for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Incentive Subsidy (WATDIS): Increasing the standard day rate to $25, adding a 20%-night rate, and introducing a $50 public holiday rate, effective March 2025,

$750,000 for training: Enhancing driver training, including input from people with disabilities, and introducing refresher courses,

$5 million for the Interest-Free Loan Scheme: Raising the loan limit to $125,000, and

$2.25 million for grants: Supporting vehicle modifications, with a focus on regional
areas.

Attracting and Retaining Drivers a Growing Challenge

The industry faces significant challenges in attracting, training, and retaining drivers, particularly in regional areas. Andy Hughes noted, “The number of new drivers entering the industry isn’t keeping up with retirements, leading to a shrinking workforce.”

The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner oversees safety and licensing standards for WAT services under the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016. This includes ensuring vehicles meet accessibility standards, hoist and ramp safety, and driver competency requirements.
In a recent safety alert, the Commissioner highlighted reports of passengers falling from their wheelchairs during journeys “due to drivers not properly securing the wheelchair with all four tie-down restraints.”

A more comprehensive driver training program for WAT operators would help prevent these incidents and ensure passenger safety.

Industry Response

The NSW Taxi Council welcomed the funding package as a positive first step to improving transport services for wheelchair users. CEO Nick Abrahim said the incentives would help attract drivers and address the high costs of operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Advocates like Ed Morris, CEO of the Physical Disability Council of NSW, said the situation remains dire, especially in regional areas with little to no WAT availability. “The government has a responsibility to ensure people with disabilities can access their communities and participate in the economy,” he said.

People With Disability Australia (PWDA) also commended the funding but emphasised the need for long-term solutions to ensure the sustainability of accessible transport services.

Community Transport: A Future Opportunity

Community transport operators in regional NSW provide vital services for individuals unable to access mainstream public transport or taxis. These services, often reliant on government funding, focus on vulnerable populations, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Andy Hughes expressed hope that future funding will extend to support community transport in regional areas. “Expanding support to the community transport sector would ensure even greater accessibility, particularly in smaller councils and community groups. Quality training for drivers, operations staff, and volunteers would be a great start,” he said.

January 3, 2025

A Win for Wheelchair Transport Training

The NSW Government has announced a $15 million boost for Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi (WAT) services to be spent across the state over the next 12 months.

Attracting and Retaining Drivers a Growing Challenge

Industry Response

Community Transport: A Future Opportunity

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