For people who are blind or have low vision, point-to-point transport is vital for carrying out everyday activities like heading to work, catching up with friends, or running errands.
But while many people who are blind or have low vision rely on point-to-point transport to be active and independent, we know there needs to be improvements to the taxi and rideshare experience – from booking, to travelling and even state-based schemes that subsidise travel costs.
You can help by completing our short survey on the topic.
We’re keen to hear any feedback on the taxi and rideshare services from people who are blind or have low vision, but we have also identified some key areas of particular interest.
Subsidised travel options
Currently, Victoria is the only jurisdiction which extends the use of its taxi subsidy scheme to rideshare trips. Since 2021, Victoria’s Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) has been compatible with Uber in Victoria.
Vision Australia believes this is a positive step as it gives people with disability increased choice and control around the transport options available to them.
We’re keen to understand how people in Victoria view this change and if people in other states would like to see their respective subsidy schemes being expanded.
Booking a ride
It is becoming more and more common for people to book point to point transport via smart phone apps and similar. Vision Australia is keen to understand if these apps and methods are being designed to be accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
Riding in a taxi or rideshare
We also want to understand what the actual experience of riding in a taxi or rideshare vehicle is like for people who are blind or have low vision.
In particular, we are keen to understand more around topics such as the attitude of drivers towards Seeing Eye Dogs and other assistance animals, transparency around fares for passengers and general driver conduct.
How you can help
By completing our taxi and rideshare survey, your experiences can help us improve the point to point transport sector.