Sykes calls for increased taxi fare subsidies

Taxi fare subsidies for needy and frail, elderly people should be increased according to Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

Dr Sykes requested the Brumby Government in Parliament this week to increase the per trip cap from $30 to $50 in recognition of the long distances travelled in country Victoria.

Dr Sykes also requested recognition that the absence of public transport is a legitimate reason to use taxis and therefore should be included in the eligibility criteria for the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP).

“I have raised this issue again in response to a request from Damian Murphy, Euroa-Nagambie Taxis”, said Dr Sykes.

“The MPTP is a good program, but country people are disadvantaged by rules and subsidy rates set by people unfamiliar with country issues.”

Dr Sykes continued, “It is an opportune time to increase the fare subsidy and free up the eligibility criteria as the Government, to its credit, is attempting to improve public transport in country communities.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “Taxis provide a valuable component of public transport resources in country Victoria – it is critical that we make the use of taxis affordable to our needy and frail elderly so that they can continue to enjoy all of the good things about living in country Victoria.”