The Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) helps eligible Victorians with disability and accessibility needs maintain their independence by providing a 50% subsidy on CPV fares, up to $60 per trip. WAV drivers play a vital role in supporting MPTP passengers to stay connected to their community and engage in daily activities with confidence and dignity.
To provide this service, WAV drivers must be logged into an MPTP-compatible dispatch or payment system at all times while operating.
Staying logged in means:
- The subsidy can be applied correctly at the end of each trip.
- The trip can be verified for fraud prevention and program integrity.
- Passengers are not overcharged or denied a subsidy they are entitled to.
- Drivers are protected from fare disputes.
- The journey is recorded accurately in case of audit or follow-up.
Being logged in is not just a legal requirement, it supports your passengers access to the financial support they rely on, and it ensures you are paid correctly for the work you perform.
- Wheelchair / Scooter Lifting Fee – What Drivers Need to Know
- Understanding Fares When Transporting MPTP Passengers
- Processing MPTP Fares
- Helping the Passenger When the MPTP Card Can't Be Used
- Transporting Multiple MPTP Passengers
- Interstate Vouchers and Subsidies
- Using Cabcharge Emergency Paper Vouchers
- Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention
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Wheelchair / Scooter Lifting Fee – What Drivers Need to Know
The MPTP provides a lifting fee to drivers for passengers who remain seated in their wheelchair or mobility scooter while travelling in a WAV. This fee recognises the extra time needed for the driver to safely operate the hoist and secure the passenger.
You can identify if the lifting fee applies by checking the passenger’s MPTP card. It will have “Wheelchair/Scooter” embossed on the card.
Important:
- The passenger must never be asked to pay the lifting fee. The lifting fee is fully covered by the MPTP when the passenger has a valid Wheelchair/Scooter MPTP card.
- Do not turn on the Fare Calculation Device (meter) while loading or unloading a passenger who holds this card.
If the passenger does not have a Wheelchair/Scooter MPTP card, the lifting fee is not subsidised. In these situations, drivers are permitted to turn on the fare meter while loading and unloading. This also applies to passengers from interstate or overseas who do not hold a Victorian MPTP Wheelchair/Scooter card.
Understanding Fares When Transporting MPTP Passengers
This information is provided to help you feel confident in applying the correct fare when a passenger is travelling under the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP).
Your role is to provide a fair and consistent service to every passenger. The MPTP subsidy helps reduce travel costs for MPTP members, but it does not change the standard fare structure that would normally apply.
The MPTP subsidy is simply applied after you calculate the fare, just like any other trip. This means you continue to charge your usual fare and any permitted extras, and then the subsidy is applied to reduce what the passenger pays.
What Costs Can Be Included in the Fare
The total fare can include the following (only if they apply to the trip):
- Flag fall
- Booking fee
- Distance/time fare
- Levy recovery charge
- Late-night / public holiday surcharge
- Tolls
- Airport charges
These are all permitted and can be included before applying the subsidy.
High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Fee
You may only charge the HOV fee when carrying five (5) or more passengers in the vehicle (excluding the driver). This count includes any passenger who uses a wheelchair or mobility device.
Important: You cannot charge the HOV fee just because the passenger uses a wheelchair, has luggage or requested a WAV. The fee is based on the number of people, not the type of vehicle.
Processing MPTP Fares
When transporting an MPTP passenger it is essential to follow the steps below. Doing so ensures the subsidy is processed correctly, protects the integrity of the MPTP program, and supports a respectful, safe service for your passenger:
At the end of the trip, process the fare:
- Swipe or insert the passenger’s MPTP card at the end of the trip to apply the subsidy.
- Wait for the terminal to confirm the card has been accepted.
- Process the remaining outstanding balance using the passenger’s chosen payment method.
- Provide the passenger with a payment receipt.
Return the MPTP card immediately:
It is an offence for drivers to be in possession of a passengers MPTP card if the MPTP member is not present in the vehicle.
- Always return the card to the passenger (or their carer) straight away.
- Do not keep the card, even if the passenger is a regular customer and asks you to hold onto it.
Drivers found in possession of a member’s card may face compliance action, financial penalties or possible accreditation consequences.
Helping the Passenger When the MPTP Card Can't Be Used
On occasion an MPTP card may not be available or may not process correctly. This can happen if the passenger has misplaced their card, or if the card is damaged. When this occurs, the subsidy cannot be applied at the time of travel.
This can be distressing for a passenger to hear so it is important to clearly explain why you are unable to process the subsidy and that you are required to charge the full fare.
Passengers may be eligible for reimbursement when:
- The MPTP card is damaged,
- The MPTP card has been lost or stolen
If the payment terminal is not working or out of data coverage, drivers are permitted to process the fare using an MPTP emergency voucher. See section Using Cabcharge Emergency Paper Vouchers in this guide for more information.
Reassure your passenger in a respectful and supportive way by saying:
“I’m unable to process your MPTP card right now, so I’ll need to charge the full fare today. I’ll give you a receipt so you can follow up with Safe Transport Victoria to see if reimbursement is available. They may be able to assist.”
Lean more about the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program.
Transporting Multiple MPTP Passengers
Sometimes you may be required to transport two passengers on the same trip, but each person travels a different portion of the journey. For example, one passenger may be collected first and dropped off last, while another may join or leave partway through the journey.
In these situations, it is important to process each passenger’s fare separately, so that each MPTP member receives the correct subsidy for the part of the trip they travelled.
The guidance below outlines the required steps to correctly calculate and apply the subsidy when multiple MPTP passengers travel on the same trip.
| Leave Point A | Arrive Point B | Leave Point B | Arrive Point C |
|---|---|---|---|
| First MPTP Passenger loaded and card scanned. | Meter stopped. First MPTP Passenger fare paid. | Second MPTP Passenger loaded. Second MPTP Passenger card scanned. | Meter stopped. Second MPTP Passenger fare paid. Both Passengers unloaded. |
| Leave Point A | Arrive Point B | Leave Point B | Arrive Point C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both passengers loaded. First MPTP Passenger card scanned (for the person whose trip concludes first). | Meter stopped. First MPTP member fare paid. | First MPTP Passenger unloaded. The second MPTP Passenger card scanned (for passenger whose trip continues). | The meter is stopped. The second MPTP Passenger fare paid. Second MPTP Passenger unloaded. |
Interstate Vouchers and Subsidies
Passengers who are members of a taxi subsidy program in another Australian State or Territory may still be eligible to receive a subsidy when travelling in Victoria. Likewise, Victorian MPTP members can use their Victorian subsidy when travelling interstate, in the States and Territories that participate in reciprocal arrangements.
What This Means for Drivers
If an interstate passenger is travelling in your vehicle and presents a valid interstate taxi subsidy card or voucher, you must:
- Accept the card or voucher.
- Process it according to your terminal or voucher instructions.
- Return the card to the passenger immediately after use.
- If the card or voucher cannot be processed, charge the full fare and provide a receipt for the passenger to follow up with their state subsidy program.
This ensures passengers with accessibility needs can continue to travel safely and affordably in other Australian states.
Lean more about the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program.
Using Cabcharge Emergency Paper Vouchers
Drivers who use a Cabcharge EFTPOS terminal may only use an emergency paper voucher in limited situations. This is a last resort option and should only be used when the subsidy cannot be processed electronically.
You may use an emergency voucher only when:
- The approved MPTP payment terminal is not working (e.g., device failure or no network connection), OR
- The passenger’s MPTP card is lawfully held by their carer due to the passenger’s disability, and the carer is at the pick-up location but not travelling with the passenger to the drop-off location.
If you need to use an emergency voucher:
- Write down all trip details clearly, including pick-up location, drop-off location, fare, and date.
- Enter the full fare amount on the voucher.
- Ask the MPTP passenger (or their carer, if appropriate) to sign the voucher.
- Do not complete the trip without a signature.
Remember:
- Emergency vouchers must not be used for convenience.
- You must always attempt to process the subsidy electronically first.
- Incorrect use of vouchers may lead to recovery of payments or compliance action.
Learn more about emergency vouchers.
Learn more about Fare Calculation Device (FCD) for MPTP fares.
Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention
Fraudulent use of the MPTP is taken very seriously. All MPTP trips are routinely monitored and audited to ensure compliance with program rules.
Drivers who knowingly misuse an MPTP card or subsidy may face legal consequences, which may include financial penalties, loss of MPTP access, suspension or cancellation of driver accreditation, and potential prosecution.
These outcomes may result in the loss of a driver’s income. Doing the right thing protects you, your livelihood, and the members who rely on this program to stay connected to their community.