This morning the Maroondah Disability Action Group (also known as the Disability Action Group Eastern Region) and Scoot Wheel n Move held a joint meeting with the Victorian Taxi Directorate.

The meeting allowed members from the two groups to raise issues they have had with taxis directly with the State Government’s regulator for the taxi industry.

One of the most common complaints was the lengthy waiting time in ordering a wheelchair accessible taxi and it is hoped that plans to provide an additional 330 maxi-taxis will assist in reducing these excessive delays.

The taxi booking system is also expected to improve with pre-ordered taxis becoming more responsive to customer requests.

Many participants also cited concerns over the poor handling of complaints and the Directorate outlined its complaint handling system. Any passenger with concerns over a taxi or driver are advised to contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate who is obligated to pursue complaints about the service.

The joint meeting demonstrates the cooperation that exists between the many groups focused on accessibility within Maroondah. While the two groups may have a differing focus, there are many common areas of interest.