- Cook Government's Regional
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi Service Grants boost accessible
on-demand transport services in the regions
- 2025-26 grant round
recipients based in Exmouth and Port Headland
- Annual grant pool
of $420,000 available to establish or enhance WAV taxi
services in regional Western Australia
- Cook Government
delivering quality services across the State
In a significant boost for accessible
on-demand transport in the State's north, taxi operators in Exmouth and Port
Hedland are the recipients of the Cook Government's 2025-2026 Regional
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi Service Grants.
The 2025-2026 grant round
prioritised areas identified by the Department of
Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI), to ensure funding was
targeted to areas with the greatest need.
Exmouth Bus Charter has been awarded a grant of
$80,000 to establish and operate a WAV taxi service
alongside its existing charter business. Exmouth was identified as a high-priority
location for the grant as there is currently no WAV taxi service available.
In Port Hedland, Awale Jibril has been awarded
$60,000 to operate an additional WAV taxi service
in the town. This additional service will be affiliated with
Dreamtime Taxis, a previous recipient of the grant in 2024-2025.
The DTMI administered grants provide
financial support to operators to establish a WAV taxi service in a
town without accessible on-demand transport. The grants also support regional
operators with an existing WAV taxi service to meet demand or ensure continuity
of service.
Operators can apply for the following funding
offerings:
- up to $80,000
to establish a new WAV taxi service in a regional town where none
exists;
- up to $60,000 to enable
regional operators to replace a WAV
or purchase an additional vehicle to meet demand; and
- up to $20,000
to modify a suitable vehicle to transport passengers who must remain
seated in a wheelchair where an established WAV taxi service already exists.
For more information on Regional WAV
Taxi Service Grants, visit the DTMI website.
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting
the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Thanks to the Cook Government's Regional WAV
Taxi Service Grants, established and existing WAV taxi services are
being expanded in the State's regions.
"These help regional taxi operators to provide
important accessible transport options and provide independence for
residents and visitors with disability living in regional WA.
"This is just another way the Cook Government is
improving infrastructure and services in our regional centres and remote
communities.
"I encourage regional taxi
operators interested in establishing a WAV taxi service or expanding their
current services to visit the DTMI website for more information."
Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I am pleased to see the Cook Government's Regional WAV
Taxi Service Grants delivering greater independence for residents and visitors
living with disability, while strengthening the inclusiveness and connection of
our communities.
"Reliable transport is important in the Pilbara and our
regional taxi operators play a vital role in connecting people to work, medical
appointments, education, and community activities.
"These grants will help them expand their services, meet
growing demand, and provide more accessible on-demand transport options."
