Today is International Wheelchair Day, a day that acknowledges the positive impact wheelchairs have in wheelchair users lives. It highlights the work of those who provide support for people who use wheelchairs and the importance of safe and accessible transport for people with disability.
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner understands the vital role wheelchair accessible taxis and hire vehicles play in supporting safe passenger services for people travelling with wheelchairs, not only today but every day.
The Commissioner and his team, following consultations with people with disability, industry and disability groups, recently launched an industry toolkit for providers of wheelchair accessible services.
The toolkit includes resources to help service providers better understand their safety obligations. It is intended to be shared with drivers also, to support their important work in providing transport to passengers travelling with a wheelchair. The toolkit contains fact sheets, driver checklists, quick reference guides and videos.
Community information sessions on WAT safety
To continue the conversation on wheelchair accessible vehicle safety, the Commissioner’s team is running information sessions across NSW.
The sessions aim to educate and inform those travelling with wheelchairs, carers, people who make wheelchair transport bookings, and the public, on travelling safely in wheelchairs. The interactive nature of the sessions provides an opportunity to ask questions, along with demonstrations on how drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles safely transfer passengers in and out of the vehicle.
Last November, the Commissioner’s team held its first information session and drop in stand in Dubbo. The engagement garnered enthusiastic participation, demonstrating a clear community interest in how the Point to Point Transport Commissioner supports safe passenger transport in wheelchair accessible vehicles.
The next safety information session and drop in stand are being held in Wyong and Gosford on Tuesday, 5 March. More information can be found here. With more sessions to follow in Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Tweed Heads, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga throughout the year.
“Our safety information sessions are a great opportunity for the industry and community to share and learn more about how we support safe travel for people travelling with wheelchairs, and I encourage people to come along and talk to my team.” Commissioner Wing shared.
“Safety is my priority, and I want passengers travelling with wheelchairs along with other passengers including carers, and those who book wheelchair accessible services, to understand how the industry is regulated, and what we do to support safe journeys for all – today and every day,” Commissioner Wing finished.
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Background on the Point to Point Transport Commissioner
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, is the independent regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare, in NSW. The Commissioner's main role is to administer and enforce point to point transport law, including safety standards for the industry.
The Commissioner works with the point to point transport industry to ensure they have the knowledge and capability to implement systems for managing safety; focusing particularly on compliance through education and information, and undertaking advisory, audit and enforcement activities.
For more information see the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website.
Media Enquiries
Alex Thompson m. 0499 612 089
Alexandra.thompson@transport.nsw.gov.au
Ensuring safe journeys for all this International Wheelchair Day and everyday
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