Driving towards equality
Uber joins program aiding people with disabilities
PEOPLE with severe and permanent disabilities will be able to claim subsidised transport across Victoria with Uber following a trial in Geelong.
Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria chief executive Aaron de Rozario said the multi purpose taxi program (MPTP) subsidy was expanded to the Uber platform this week.
“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,” Mr de Rozario said.
Centre for Access managing director and disability advocate Thomas Banks participated in the Geelong trial and welcomed the statewide rollout.
“I’m excited for the MPTP scheme to be available on the Uber platform, as are so many other people with disabilities who I’ve spoken to about this initiative,” Mr Banks said.
“We have all wanted Uber to be able to offer the MPTP subsidy for a long time because it’s much more convenient to use than the traditional taxi to get from A to B. The fact that the subsidy hadn’t been available for Uber trips disadvantaged the disability community immensely.
“This initiative is finally going to give people with disabilities more choice. By
using Uber, I know I’ll get to the right destination quickly and safely, which is important.
“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.”
Uber Australia and New Zealand general manager
Dom Taylor said MPTP was Uber’s first major step in improving transport options for Australians with a disability, “but we see it as only the first of many”.