Share and Follow
A groundbreaking 12-week initiative, orchestrated by Uber in collaboration with the disability inclusion consultancy Get Skilled Access, has demonstrated promising outcomes by offering participants Uber credits equivalent to their state transport subsidies. This innovative approach allowed individuals the flexibility to utilize these credits as they deemed fit, marking a significant shift towards inclusive transportation.
The findings, which were unveiled on Thursday, paint a positive picture: a remarkable 95% of participants reported that Uber adequately addressed their transportation needs, while 97% confirmed that it catered to their accessibility requirements. Furthermore, a reassuring 96% of those involved felt safe using the service, and 92% expressed a sense of independence and empowerment in their daily lives.
In a compelling endorsement of the program, an overwhelming 98% of participants advocated for the inclusion of rideshare services like Uber in subsidy schemes traditionally dominated by taxis.
Among the participants was Cheryle Lapthorne, a small business owner who resides in regional Tasmania. As a parent and carer, she supports her daughter Matilda, who is neurodiverse and uses a wheelchair. Lapthorne herself faces mobility challenges due to multiple sclerosis, underscoring the vital need for adaptable transport solutions that cater to diverse needs.
Lapthorne has multiple sclerosis and mobility challenges of her own.
She told 9news.com.au the availability of taxis in their area does not meet demand.
The family also regularly uses public transport, particularly when travelling interstate for specialist healthcare.
“When you’re a young person with a wheelchair that can be really difficult to manage and the cognitive load on the caregiver, to try and sort that out, particularly when you’ve got children that are disabled, you never quite know what card to buy, where to top it up, what tram system to get on, does it work, how far do I have to walk,” she said.
“(The trial) was just a reminder that travel can be accessible and functional.
“It has just really given us back the choice and control about how we travel.
“People don’t understand the functional impact that being denied transport has on someone who may no longer have any spoons left for the day or may not have another accessible way to get home.”
She said access to rideshare would be pivotal in allowing Matilda, who is almost 13, to have independence.
Uber’s teen accounts allow teenagers to use the platform with consent and supervision from their legal guardian.
“She’s able to pick where she wants to go and she’s able to have a visual example of what that might look like on the screen, which is really accessible for her and calms the anxiety around ‘where am I going?’ and ‘what am I doing?’ for a neurodiverse person.
“As she grows, it will allow her to access the community in a meaningful way for her.”
Matilda’s wheelchair folds down and can fit in a small car, which means she doesn’t necessarily need the same size vehicle as other wheelchair users either.
Lapthorne said having flexibility in what vehicle she uses means those services are available for others who need them.
“Not every disability is the same, so being able to have that choice and control about the need that meets you in that moment would probably be life-changing for a lot of people.
“Everybody should have the right to travel in the way that best suits them and allows them to join in the community.”
The trial was backed by Vision Australia, Disability Voices Tasmania, Carers Australia, Children and Young People with Disability Australia.
Research by Vision Australia shows almost 60 per cent of people with disability would be more likely to use subsidy schemes if rideshare was included.
“For people with disability, travel is often complex, stressful and requires a level of planning that most people never think about,” Vision Australia’s general manager of corporate affairs and advocacy Chris Edwards said.
“When choice is limited, that burden increases.
”That’s why we are calling for the urgent expansion of state subsidy schemes — a modest reform that would deliver life-changing impacts for our community.”
Uber’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand said state-funded taxi subsidy schemes had not kept pace with Australians’ travel habits.
“This trial shows what happens when people with disability get genuine choice.
“Victoria’s provider-neutral model is a strong blueprint, and this trial adds to the case for other states to back funding that follows the person, not the transport mode”.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.