Wheelchair-accessible taxi

Passengers who use wheelchairs, their families and carers, NDIS participants, aged care and health providers, and people using state taxi subsidy schemes.

Metered fares, often with a subsidy or voucher scheme topping up the passenger's fare, plus regular bookings from community and health organisations.

• Patient, respectful passenger care
• Safe driving with careful loading and securing
• Reliable timekeeping
• Comfortable with paperwork and booking systems

• Accessible vehicles cost much more than a standard car, so check finance, resale value and any government assistance
• Training in safely securing wheelchairs and assisting passengers may be required, so check your state's rules
• Subsidy and NDIS arrangements have their own rules and payment times, so check how you are paid
• Driver authorisation, vehicle inspections and GST registration for taxi drivers, so check with your state authority and the ATO
• Commercial passenger vehicle insurance that covers modifications and passengers using wheelchairs

Startup costs are typically around $50,000 to $170,000, depending on the vehicle, its ramp or hoist modifications and how you finance it. Accessible vehicles cost much more than a standard car, so check resale value and any government assistance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $10,000, depending on the hours you work, your area, and your mix of medical, school, shopping and subsidy-funded trips. Check how and when subsidy and NDIS payments are made.

Check your state's rules on driver authorisation, vehicle inspections and any training in securing wheelchairs and assisting passengers. Also check GST registration with the ATO, and insurance that covers modifications and passengers using wheelchairs.