Jonathan O’Dea, Member for Davidson announced today that NSW residents who are unable to use public transport due to disability will continue to receive subsidised taxi fares under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) covers 50 per cent of the total fare, with a maximum subsidy of $60 per journey, and is claimed using travel dockets.
Mr O’Dea said everyone in Davidson has the right to accessible transport options.
“I’m proud the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest more than $173 million over four years to ensure people with disability have access to affordable transport options,” Mr O’Dea said.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said making public transport more accessible is a priority for the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
“While we continue to make huge progress with station and fleet upgrades, we have not forgotten the members of our community who simply can’t get on a train, bus or light rail service,” Mr Constance said.
“That’s why we doubled the maximum TTSS contribution that can be claimed from $30 to $60 a trip, making life easier for those with disability that can’t use public transport.
“While other state governments, like Victoria and Queensland, have left the door open to scrap this important subsidy the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will keep it going.”
The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest more than $131 million in the TTSS over the next four years, on top of $42 million for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Incentive Scheme (WATDIS) over the same period.
That means eligible taxi drivers will continue to receive the $15 incentive for assisting wheelchair customers under the WATDIS, the other subsidy to also double in 2016.