Statements
Rene Hidding: Smartcards to improve taxi access
Tasmanians living with a disability will soon find it easier to use taxis with the Government moving to introduce smartcards under the Transport Access Scheme.
Over the next two months about 16,000 Tasmanians will receive the smartcards, which will replace antiquated and awkward voucher books.
Using a smartcard will be much simpler, with the cards only needing to be held near the taxi’s electronic payment terminal to be read and no paperwork to complete.
The smartcard automatically deducts the correct subsidy from the fare, and, by recording detailed trip data and with electronic security measures, is less susceptible to fraud and misuse.
These cards will not only be of benefit to those who use them, they will also save taxi drivers time in processing fares and receiving payment.
All eligible participants in the Transport Access Scheme will receive their smartcards in the mail over the next two months. The cards are valid for four years and will be replaced without cost upon expiry.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure