Intro

The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Subsidy Scheme is part of an ongoing commitment to expand and maintain the accessibility of WAV services in urban, regional and country Victoria.

The scheme subsidises the purchase costs of a WAV to make it similar in cost to a conventional vehicle that provides unbooked (taxi) services.

WAVs that only operate in the Melbourne Metropolitan area, including trips starting or finishing in Metropolitan Melbourne, cannot be subsidised.

Eligibility

To qualify for the subsidy scheme, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • you have owned and operated an urban, regional or country WAV (taxi) licence prior to 9 October 2017, and have continued to provide WAV services in these areas with a current CPV registration
  • you are replacing a WAV that is older than five years
  • you are able to accept and process Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) payments
  • you do not owe a previous unexpired subsidy to CPVV (if a previously subsidised vehicle has been sold or written off, and CPVV has instructed you to repay some of the subsidy payment).

Important: Subsidised WAVs are required to operate exclusively in the region nominated on the application.

Application Process

You can learn more and apply for the subsidy by consulting the subsidy scheme guidelines, which contain:

  • information about the scheme
  • the schedule of subsidy payments
  • an application form.

See the guidelines here: Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Subsidy Scheme Guidelines.

We’ll try to review your subsidy application and let you know within 90 days if it’s approved or not.

If we need more information, we’ll contact you. You should respond to our request for more information within 30 days, or your application may be rejected.

I’m replacing my non-WAV for a WAV; how long will the process take?

If you’re applying for the subsidy to buy a WAV to replace your current unbooked taxi, it’s best to apply early.

You should also think about how much time it will take to modify the new vehicle to carry wheelchairs, but this can be discussed with the vehicle supplier. To make sure you can start using the new WAV on time, we recommend applying at least six months  before you wish to start using the WAV.

The following certified or original documents must be submitted within six months from the date of your approval letter (satisfying the conditions for payment):

  • inspection report to confirm compliance with ‘Vehicle Standards Information 31, Licensed Passenger Vehicle Standards – Taxi’, which is available online at vicroads.vic.gov.au
  • engineering certification for WAV conversion (if applicable)
  • evidence of comprehensive insurance cover on the vehicle
  • proof of vehicle ownership
  • provision of new vehicle details form (note this form will be sent to you once the WAV Subsidy Agreement is signed)
  • the tax invoice for the purchase of the vehicle
  • a separate tax invoice for the conversion to a WAV (if not included in the vehicle purchase).

Partial Lifting Fee

If the driver loads or unloads your wheelchair into a regular taxi or sedan, Safe Transport Victoria will pay a partial lifting fee of $12.65 to the service provider.