Uber

The Victorian Government in Australia is expanding the Multi Purpose Taxi Program to include Uber, offering subsidised transport for those with disabilities and accessibility needs.

This state-wide expansion comes after a successful trial by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) and Uber in Geelong. Despite COVID-19 related shutdowns occurring during the entirety of the trial, CPVV and Uber say they were able to facilitate over 170 rides and achieve a perfect 5.0 satisfaction rating by riders.

The MPTP subsidy covers 50 per cent of the cost of eligible participants trips, up to A$60. Thanks to a custom-built technology solution built for the Geelong trial, MPTP subsidies are automatically applied to the upfront price shown to the rider before they request a trip, and remains automatically applied until an individual's subsidy is exhausted. This provides passengers with greater certainty about the cost of a trip before taking it, and removes the need to use physical cards on each trip to deduct the balance.

Dom Taylor, General Manager of Uber Australia and New Zealand, said that: "Since launching in Melbourne in 2013, Uber has helped millions of Victorians get from A to B affordably, reliably and safely at the press of a button. However, up until now, Victorians with a disability using the MPTP scheme simply didn't have that same choice.

"We're 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 and greater control to those with accessibility needs. For Uber, this is our first major step in improving transport options for Australians with a disability, but we see it as only the first of many."

"Victorians with accessibility needs should be able to access a range of commercial passenger vehicles, just like anyone else in the community," added Aaron de Rozario, CEO, Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria.

"This means being able to choose the type of service that meets their individual needs and lifestyle.

"This partnership with Uber gives MPTP members more options, and importantly choice, for their individual travel needs. With access to work, study and leisure activities, members can be active citizens, which in turn supports the economic growth of Victoria."

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