Black and White Taxis awarded 5-year contract to co-ordinate MPT service

14/9/94

Black and White Taxis has been awarded a five year contract to co-ordinate Perth's Multi Purpose Taxi (MPT) service.

In announcing the contract today, Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the new system would carry suitable rules and controls that would eliminate previous service delivery problems.

In particular, he expected greatly reduced waiting times for MPTs by clients, far better customer relations service and computer enhancements for better co-ordination of the MPT fleet.

There would also be a formal complaints handling system and the establishment of a committee to give service users a greater say in how the service operated.

The committee would comprise user representatives and would liaise directly with the Government and the service provider.

Black and White Taxis was made the co-ordinator on the recommendation of an independent committee, which included representation from the Disability Services Commission and MPT users.

"Black and White Taxis was the company co-ordinating the service for the Taxi Control Board, but its reappointment in this position is not a simile continuation of that role," Mr Charlton said.

"I do not condone the inefficiencies that were part of the previous co-ordination.

"The conditions of appointment are stringent and contain performance measures which must be adhered to if the contract is to continue.

"I called for expressions of interest in the co-ordinator's role last month in response to ongoing problems people in wheelchairs have had in obtaining an MPT.

"One of the most concerning aspects has been reports of people waiting for hours on end for a taxi that was booked weeks in advance.  Inconveniences of this nature must end."

Mr Charlton said that as demand increased, more MPT licenses would be phased in to build on the present fleet of 21 vehicles.

"Providing reliable and efficient taxi services for people confined to wheelchairs is essential," Mr Charlton said.

"Quite often the taxis are the only means of independent travel for people with severe disabilities, and the knowledge that the service will cater for them on time is critical for them personally as well as for the industry in its efforts to encourage greater use of the service."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts  321 7333