Marika Kontellis fears accessible taxis will be limited in rural NSW amid reforms

·

Regional and rural communities across New South Wales are concerned about the lack of availability to accessible taxis after recent legislative reform, according to ABC News.

The Point to Point Transport Amendment Bill was passed in the NSW Upper House last week and will see accessible taxis, previously exempted from paying licence plate fees, now having to pay.

CEO of the Council on the Ageing NSW, Marika Kontellis, told ABC News the reforms will cause companies to opt out of buying accessible vehicles as there is no financial incentive.

“We think there could be a risk to the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis available to people, particularly in rural and remote towns,” Ms Kontellis said.

While the NSW Government has pledged to review the impact of deregulation on wheelchair accessibility and country town services in two years’ time, many people are worried about the immediate effects.

“If they are not readily available, then people miss out on their doctor appointments, connecting with loved ones, working in the community,” Ms Kontellis said.

The new reform is grounded in bringing “more choice and availability of services for customers” and brings the taxi industry more in line with rideshare apps like DiDi and Uber. 

Source: ABC News.

READ MORE: Taxi industry accepts NSW Government’s $905 million assistance package after initial refusal.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

Miriklis-Pavlou creating city-bliss with Flowers Vasette display in Melbourne CBD

As residents return to the streets of Melbourne's CBD, large floral displays blossom the city's iconic landmark buildings, laneways and streets.

Greek tourist’s display of Greek flag at Hagia Sophia sparks controversy in Turkey

Apostolos Papatheodoros, a Greek visitor, caused a stir when he proudly displayed the Greek flag within the historic Hagia Sophia site.

Pafos FC writes European history

Pafos FC lived another historic moment on Thursday, as it celebrated its first victory in European competitions.