Getting a taxi in Melbourne when you use a wheelchair, power chair or mobility aid is a different process from booking a standard cab. Wheelchair accessible taxis, known as WATs, are purpose built or converted vehicles fitted with ramps or lifts, secured tie points and a dedicated wheelchair position within the cabin. Silver Taxi provides WAT services across SE Melbourne. There is no surcharge for WAT travel beyond the standard metered fare.
What Is a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi?
A wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT) is a vehicle approved by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) to carry passengers who use a wheelchair or mobility device. WATs are fitted with a hydraulic or manual ramp or lift at the rear or side of the vehicle, floor anchor points that secure the wheelchair during travel, and a designated position within the cabin where the passenger remains seated in their wheelchair for the duration of the trip.
WAT drivers are trained to assist passengers with boarding, wheelchair securing and disembarkation at the destination. No additional vehicle surcharge applies to WAT trips. Fares are calculated on the same metered tariff as standard taxis.
The MPTP Scheme: What It Is and How It Works
The Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) is a Victorian Government scheme that subsidises taxi and rideshare travel for eligible Victorians with a disability. MPTP members pay 50% of the metered fare per trip. The Victorian Government pays the subsidised half directly, up to a maximum of $60 per trip. For any portion of the fare above $60, the passenger pays the standard metered rate.
The scheme is administered by Transport for Victoria. It applies to trips in licensed taxis including WAT vehicles. Silver Taxi accepts MPTP cards. The passenger presents their MPTP card to the driver at the start of the trip and the subsidy is applied through the meter. No additional paperwork is needed at the time of travel.
How to Register for the MPTP
Applications for the MPTP are made through Transport for Victoria. To be eligible, you must be a Victorian resident with a disability or medical condition that significantly limits your ability to use public transport. The application form includes a section completed by a registered medical practitioner, physiotherapist or occupational therapist confirming your condition.
Applications are submitted at ptv.vic.gov.au. Registration is free and a card is issued by post once approved. Your MPTP card can be used immediately with any licensed Melbourne taxi, including Silver Taxi WAT vehicles.
Silver Taxi Accessibility Services
Silver Taxi’s WAT vehicles provide a door to door service. Drivers assist passengers from the front door of the pickup address to the vehicle, secure the wheelchair in the cabin using floor anchor points, and assist again at the destination.
Our vehicles are fitted with ramps suitable for both manual and powered wheelchairs. When booking, let the operator know:
- Whether you use a manual or powered wheelchair
- The width and weight of the wheelchair if you have that information
- Whether you need physical assistance at pickup, destination or both
Drivers assist as part of the service at no extra cost.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis to Melbourne Airport
Silver Taxi covers WAT trips to and from Melbourne Airport from SE Melbourne suburbs along the Frankston Line and the Dandenong and Cranbourne corridors. Commonly booked airport WAT trips include pickups from Frankston, Dandenong, Cranbourne, Clayton and Springvale.
For airport WAT trips, book at least 48 hours in advance to confirm vehicle availability at your required departure time. Return pickups from Melbourne Airport are available from all domestic and international terminals. A $4.50 airport pickup surcharge applies to return trips collected from the airport.
Terminal reference: Qantas uses Terminal 1. Virgin Australia and Jetstar use Terminal 4. International departures use Terminal 2.
NDIS Transport and WAT Travel
If you are an NDIS participant with transport support funding in your plan, WAT trips may be covered under your support budget. Keep receipts for each trip and confirm with your plan manager or support coordinator whether taxi fares qualify under your plan category.
Silver Taxi provides itemised receipts on request for NDIS reimbursement purposes. Let the operator know at booking if you will need a receipt and we will arrange for one to be provided at the end of the trip.
Wheelchair Taxi Melbourne: Disabled Taxi and Accessible Taxi Options
Whether you are looking for a disabled taxi in Melbourne, an accessible taxi for a medical appointment, or a WAT vehicle to Melbourne Airport, Silver Taxi operates across the SE Melbourne corridor. We cover the 47 suburbs in our service area from Clayton as a base through to the Frankston and Cranbourne lines.
If you are looking for an accessible taxi to a hospital appointment, we cover major SE Melbourne hospitals including Dandenong Hospital, Frankston Hospital and Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Book in advance for medical appointments where timing is critical.
How to Book a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi
Call 0412 456 588 or email book@silver-taximelbourne.com.au to book. Tell the operator:
– Your pickup suburb and address
– That you need a WAT vehicle
– Your wheelchair type (manual or powered) and approximate width and weight if known
– Your destination
– Your preferred pickup time
– Whether you hold an MPTP card
We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance for local trips and 48 hours in advance for airport transfers to confirm WAT vehicle availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wheelchair accessible taxi in Melbourne?
A wheelchair accessible taxi, commonly called a WAT, is a licensed taxi vehicle fitted with equipment that allows passengers who use a wheelchair or other mobility device to travel safely. WATs are approved by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria and meet specific standards for vehicle conversion and accessibility equipment.
WATs are fitted with a ramp or hydraulic lift at the rear or side of the vehicle, anchor points that secure the wheelchair to the floor of the cabin, and a dedicated travel position where the passenger remains in their wheelchair for the duration of the trip. Other passengers in the vehicle travel in standard seatbelt positions.
WAT drivers are trained to assist passengers with boarding, wheelchair securing and disembarkation. In Melbourne, WATs operate on the same metered fare as standard taxis. No additional surcharge applies for the WAT service itself beyond the standard metered fare. To book a WAT in SE Melbourne, call Silver Taxi on 0412 456 588.
What is the MPTP scheme and how does it work for taxi travel in Victoria?
The Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) is a Victorian Government scheme that subsidises taxi and rideshare travel for eligible residents with a disability. MPTP members receive a 50% reduction on the metered taxi fare per trip. The government pays the subsidised portion directly to the operator. The maximum subsidy per trip is $60, meaning the government covers up to $60 of the fare. For any amount above the $60 threshold, the passenger pays the standard metered rate.
To use the MPTP with Silver Taxi, present your MPTP card to the driver at the start of the trip. The subsidy is applied through the taxi meter with no additional paperwork required.
To register for the MPTP, apply through Transport for Victoria at ptv.vic.gov.au. You must be a Victorian resident with a condition that significantly limits your ability to use public transport. A medical professional must complete part of the application form. Registration is free and there is no annual membership fee.
How do I book a wheelchair accessible taxi to Melbourne Airport?
Call 0412 456 588 to book a wheelchair accessible taxi to Melbourne Airport. When you call, tell the operator your pickup suburb and address, whether you use a manual or powered wheelchair and its approximate width if known, your destination terminal at Melbourne Airport, and your preferred pickup time. For airport trips, book at least 48 hours in advance to confirm WAT vehicle availability at your required time.
Silver Taxi covers WAT airport trips from SE Melbourne, including suburbs along the Frankston Line and the Dandenong and Cranbourne corridors. Fares are calculated on the standard taxi meter: $9.90 flag fall plus $2.20 per kilometre. There is no WAT surcharge beyond the standard metered fare. A $4.50 airport pickup surcharge applies to return trips collected from the terminals.
If you hold an MPTP card, present it to the driver at the start of the trip and the 50% subsidy is applied automatically. Itemised receipts are available on request for NDIS reimbursement.
