Wheelchair Taxi Subsidies in Victoria: What the Multi Purpose Taxi Program Covers

For many Victorians with a permanent disability, getting to a medical appointment, a family lunch or the local shops is not as simple as hopping on public transport. Taxis can fill that gap, but regular fares add up quickly. That is why the Victorian Government’s Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) exists. This guide explains how the program works, who can join and how members can make the most of it when booking a wheelchair taxi.

What Is the Multi Purpose Taxi Program?

The MPTP is a state-funded scheme that helps eligible Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities travel more affordably. Instead of paying the full fare, members receive a discount on each taxi trip, so independent travel becomes realistic on a regular basis.

The program is administered through the Victorian Government, and it covers taxis across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

How Does the Program Work?

The Fare Discount

Members receive a 50 percent discount on the metered fare, up to a maximum subsidy per trip. The member pays the remaining half, along with any amount above the cap. The maximum subsidy has been adjusted over time, so check the official Victorian Government website for the current figure before you travel.

The Wheelchair Lifting Fee

If you use a wheelchair, the program also recognises the extra time and effort involved in loading and securing it. A lifting fee is paid to the driver for each eligible trip, and it does not come out of your pocket. This is a major reason the scheme matters for wheelchair users, because it removes a cost that would otherwise be passed on.

Using Your MPTP Card

Once approved, you receive a membership card. At the end of the trip, the driver processes the payment and applies the discount automatically. You simply pay your portion. It helps to keep the card somewhere easy to reach and to let the driver know you are an MPTP member when you board, or when you book.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is based on how a person’s disability affects their ability to use public transport. Broadly, you may qualify if you are a Victorian resident with a severe and permanent disability that limits your mobility or your ability to travel independently. This can include people who use wheelchairs, people with significant vision impairments and people with other conditions that make public transport difficult or unsafe.

The Application Process

Applications generally involve two parts:

1. A completed application form. This covers your personal details and your travel needs.
2. A health professional’s assessment. A doctor or another approved practitioner confirms that your condition meets the program’s criteria.

Processing times vary, so apply early if you need transport support soon. The Department’s website lists the approved forms and the current requirements, and it is the best place to confirm the details before you submit anything.

Which Trips Can You Use It For?

The MPTP is not limited to medical visits. Members can use it for everyday travel, such as:

• Doctor, therapy and hospital appointments
• Grocery shopping and errands
• Visits with family and friends
• Social events, community groups and entertainment
• Trips to work, study or volunteering

This flexibility is what makes the program valuable. It supports independence and social connection, not only essential travel.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Membership

Book Ahead Where You Can

Accessible vehicles are in limited supply, particularly at peak times such as weekday mornings and Friday evenings. Booking in advance lets the provider allocate the right vehicle and arrive on time.

Tell the Provider About Your Needs

When you book, mention the type of wheelchair you use, whether it is manual, powered or a larger mobility scooter. Let them know if you are travelling with a carer or a companion. This helps them send a suitable vehicle.

Understand the Full Cost Before You Travel

Even with a subsidy, you still pay part of the fare, and longer trips can exceed the subsidy cap. Ask for an estimate when booking, and watch for waiting time, late-night surcharges or booking fees. If you are travelling with a group of family or friends, it is also worth reading about the hidden costs of group travel in Melbourne, so you know what to ask before you confirm a booking.

Keep Your Details Up to Date

If your address or circumstances change, update your membership so your card keeps working without interruption.

Common Questions

Can I use the MPTP with rideshare apps? The program is designed for taxi services, so rideshare vehicles are generally not covered.

Does the discount apply to carers and companions? The subsidy applies to the member’s trip. Companions can usually travel in the same vehicle, but the fare is calculated for the journey as a whole.

Can I use it interstate? The scheme is for Victorian taxi services, so check before travelling outside the state.