Queensland’s wheelchair users are set to benefit from a fresh round of funding aimed at keeping accessible taxis running safely and reliably across the state. The Queensland Government has reopened applications for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme, backed by 6.3 million dollars in new funding.
The program gives taxi owners and operators the chance to apply for support that covers half the cost of a new maxi taxi, capped at 55,000 dollars. The idea is to help operators replace older vehicles or those that have been written off, which in turn keeps the overall fleet in workable condition. According to the government, the latest allocation should allow the replacement of at least 115 vehicles.
Officials say the need for long-term stability around accessible transport had become a concern after the previous government did not allocate funding beyond mid-2025. Acting Transport Minister Sam O’Connor said the decision to continue the scheme reflects a broader push to keep essential services running for people who rely on them.
He noted the feedback from drivers and operators who often shoulder the extra costs involved with maintaining larger, specialised vehicles. He also pointed to the daily realities faced by passengers who depend on wheelchair accessible taxis for work, appointments, and social connections.
The Christmas period is receiving particular focus. A doubled incentive payment will apply on Christmas Day, lifting the driver payment to 50 dollars per eligible trip. The intention is to encourage more drivers to stay on the road during a time when demand is high and services can be harder to secure. The government says this move is aimed at ensuring people using wheelchairs can spend the day with family or friends without worrying about whether a taxi will be available.
Advocates have welcomed the renewed funding. Michelle Moss, CEO of Queenslanders with Disability Network, said wheelchair accessible taxis play a central role in enabling mobility across the state. She highlighted how often people use these services for day-to-day life, from work commitments to health care and shopping. She added that keeping the fleet modern and reliable will only become more important as Queensland prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, when visitor numbers and accessibility needs will increase.
While the government’s approach has received approval from disability advocates, the politics around the announcement are still present in the background. Government representatives have framed the move as correcting an oversight from the previous administration. As is often the case with transport funding, the conversation around long-term commitments and stable planning is likely to continue, especially given the competing pressures on the taxi industry from rideshare platforms and rising operational costs.
For now, however, operators interested in upgrading their vehicles can begin applying. The hope is that renewed confidence in the program will help keep accessible services available statewide, including in regional areas where transport options are already limited.
The scheme’s future beyond this round of funding has not been outlined in detail, though industry groups and disability advocates are expected to continue pushing for multi-year certainty. For many Queenslanders who rely on wheelchair accessible taxis to move through everyday life, consistency is as important as innovation.
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