Taxi Fare
Accessibility & subsidies

Wheelchair-accessible taxi (WAT) · fare & subsidy in Australia

A wheelchair-accessible taxi (WAT) in Australia charges the same regulated meter as a regular taxi — there is no surcharge for wheelchair access. Every state and territory also runs a passenger subsidy scheme that pays 50% of the metered fare(capped per-trip) for eligible passengers. The calculator below returns the full regulated fare; you then apply your state's subsidy to halve it.

Subsidy schemes by state & territory

Each scheme has its own eligibility rules, application form and per-trip cap. The common shape is 50% of the metered fare, paid by the state, with a ceiling per trip.

State
Scheme
Discount
NSW
Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS)
50% of the metered fare, capped at A$60 per trip for eligible members.
VIC
Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)
50% of the metered fare, capped at A$60 per trip for MPTP members.
QLD
Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS)
50% of the metered fare, capped at A$25 per trip for eligible members.
WA
Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS)
50% or 75% of the metered fare depending on eligibility tier.
SA
South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme (SATSS)
50% of the metered fare, capped per trip for eligible members.
ACT
Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS)
50% of the metered fare, capped per trip for eligible members.
NT
NT Taxi Subsidy Scheme
50% of the metered fare, with a per-trip cap for eligible territorians.
TAS
Transport Access Scheme (TAS)
50% of the metered fare for eligible members.

Subsidy caps and eligibility criteria are revised by each state from time to time — confirm the current rules with the responsible state department before relying on the figures above.

Wheelchair taxi vs maxi taxi · same vehicle, different billing

Most wheelchair-accessible taxis are physically the same vehicle as a maxi taxi — a minivan with rear ramp or lift access and removable seats. What changes is the billing mode:

  • Carrying a wheelchair passenger → vehicle is a WAT; standard meter applies; the state subsidy scheme pays half.
  • Carrying 5+ able-bodied passengers → vehicle is a maxi taxi; high-occupancy surcharge applies (150% of meter in NSW, A$17.80 flat in VIC, etc.); no subsidy.

Frequently asked · wheelchair-accessible taxi

Common questions about WAT pricing, the subsidy schemes, booking and how the WAT differs from a regular maxi taxi.

Is a wheelchair-accessible taxi more expensive than a regular taxi?

No — the metered fare is identical. A wheelchair-accessible taxi (WAT) charges exactly the same regulated meter as a sedan taxi for the same route. The wheelchair-access feature does not add a surcharge. The vehicle is usually larger (often the same vehicle as a maxi taxi), so the only time the fare goes up is when 5+ passengers are carried — that triggers the standard maxi/high-occupancy rule, not a WAT surcharge.

What is the WAT subsidy and how much does it pay?

Every Australian state and territory runs a transport subsidy scheme for eligible passengers with disabilities. The most common arrangement: the scheme pays 50% of the metered fare on each trip, capped at a per-trip ceiling (e.g. A$60 in NSW and Victoria, A$25 in Queensland). The passenger pays the remaining 50% (with the cap applied if the fare exceeds it). The driver swipes a subsidy card or uses the operator app to claim the state's share.

How do I apply for the wheelchair taxi subsidy?

Each state runs its own application: Transport for NSW for the TTSS, Department of Transport and Planning for Victoria's MPTP, TMR for Queensland's TSS, and equivalents in WA/SA/ACT/NT/TAS. The application typically requires a medical certificate from a GP or specialist confirming the qualifying condition. Most schemes issue a smartcard for use in any participating taxi.

Can anyone use a wheelchair-accessible taxi?

Yes — anyone can book or hail a WAT. They are not reserved for wheelchair users; they're simply taxis with a ramp or lift and additional seating. If a wheelchair passenger needs the vehicle, the driver is required to prioritise their booking. For everyone else, a WAT charges the same regulated meter as a sedan.

How do I book a wheelchair taxi?

Pre-booking is strongly recommended — there are far fewer WATs than sedan taxis. Every major operator (13cabs, Silver Service, Black & White, Yellow Cabs, Maxi Taxi networks, plus DiDi and Uber on some routes) accepts a wheelchair-access flag at booking. Some states also run a dedicated WAT priority booking line. Book 60+ minutes ahead for routine trips, and the day before for airport runs.

Does the wheelchair taxi subsidy work on rideshare like Uber?

Partially. Uber operates a UberAccess (or UberWAV) tier in major Australian cities; some states have extended their subsidy scheme to participating rideshare operators. Coverage is patchy — Victoria's MPTP works with Uber Premier and some other rideshare options, NSW's TTSS is mostly taxi-only. Check with your state scheme administrator for the current list.

Is the Sydney Airport fixed-fare WAT the same as the maxi fixed fare?

When the WAT is dispatched as a 5+ passenger maxi the Sydney Airport → Sydney CBD fixed fare is A$80. A WAT with 1–4 passengers takes the standard A$60 sedan fixed fare. Either way the wheelchair subsidy applies to the metered or fixed portion of the trip subject to your state scheme cap.

What is the difference between a WAT and a maxi taxi?

In practice, a maxi taxi (5–11 seater) is often the same vehicle as a WAT — a minivan with rear ramp access and removable seats. The label changes based on use: when carrying a wheelchair passenger it's a WAT and the subsidy applies; when carrying a group of 5+ able-bodied passengers it's a maxi taxi and the high-occupancy surcharge applies. The vehicle does not change; the regulator-defined billing mode does.

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