Uber is trialing wheelchair access vehicles in its Brisbane service, as the ride-sharing platform tries to combat claims it does not cater for disabled passengers.The three-day trial began on Tuesday and coincided with the National Disability Insurance Scheme Conference being held in South Brisbane. UberWAV driver Con loads a passenger into his van on Tuesday in Brisbane, As recently as last month the Australian Taxi Industry Association criticised Uber for its "lack of wheelchair accessibility".Uber Queensland general manager Mike Abbott said a "handful" of vehicles with mechanical wheelchair lifts were being used in its pilot program named UberWAV. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are currently subject to a Queensland Government review. Mr Abbott said about 10 per cent of the company's customers already used its disability-friendly mode called UberASSIST, which utilises drivers with extra training who have vehicles that can fit a folded wheelchair or scooter.If the trial is successful, he said Uber was hoping to get dozens of UberWAV drivers on Brisbane's roads.
"It's clear to us that members of the community with accessibility needs...are looking for transportation alternatives," Mr Abbott said."If you're booking a wheelchair-accessible taxi wait times are often in excess of 18 minutes, their reliability is an issue."Uber and its taxi services remain illegal in all Australian states and territories, except the ACT. While it is not against the law for passengers to ride-share, drivers face penalties if they are caught by transport authorities.In Queensland the state government has ordered a review into ride-sharing, but any changes to legislation are unlikely to occur until late 2016. Opponents in parliament include the increasingly influential Katter Party, who have accused Uber of hurting small business and want drivers slugged double demerit points if caught.UberWAV driver Con, who did not want his surname published, said he believed the service could fill a void especially for disabled passengers who needed transport on weekends."[Other than taxis] the only other way these people get around is through the disability networks and organisations themselves, but often that's a business hours thing," he said."
I saw this being a very safe, very convenient, cost-effective way of transport."Con, who has a 13-year-old son who uses a wheelchair, drives a modified small van with a wheelchair lift and special seatbelts for passengers."I don't condone breaking the law, but as I see it it's this grey area. I see the need to help those who can't help themselves, and I'm willing to put myself out there to help them."Want more stories like this? Follow our Facebook feed.TitleFor Sale – Wheelchair Accessible HomeFeatured imageWill overwrite featured video. Featured videoWill overwrite featured image. ContentIan Irwin and Julie Haraksin are both wheelchair users and are selling their wheelchair accessible home in Riverview, Sydney. They’re keen to give someone who needs an accessible home the opportunity to purchase the house which will be auctioned on Sat 15 November. .au – The next open house inspection is this week on Wednesday 29 October.Welcome to Power Mobility Located in Brisbane, Power Mobility is a one-stop shop for all your mobility aids.
Our founder has over 30 years experience providing power chair and mobility scooter solutions, while the rest of our team includes some of the most experienced, knowledgeable and understanding people in the industry. We’re dedicated to helping you get mobile, so you can enjoy life to the fullest. Power Mobility offers an extensive range of mobility products to assist those with limited or restricted movement, including: Lift chairs (electric recliners) Walking aids and frames Unlike many retailers of power chairs and other mobility equipment, we offer expert after-sale service and repairs, both onsite and via our convenient mobile service. Power Mobility provides a wide selection of MASS approved mobility aids and we are also a DVA Accredited Supplier.We now distribute Magic Mobility chairs.This world-class range of Australian-made wheelchair solutions is designed to provide the highest level of independence for customers.Check it out now! Our new showroom at Geebung is now open!
Come and check it out today!Find out moreWe offer a convenient mobile service and repair centreOur sister company, GS Electronics has been a trusted and experienced service provider for over 30 years.Find out moreWhat do our customers think of us?Perry Cross, Founder & President of the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation has been a valued customer for more than 20 years.Find out moreTest drive the Quantum iLevel Power Chair from Pride!Enjoy safe eye level operation at walking speed plus much more.Find out moreTherapists, book your in-service now!Our experienced team will bring the latest mobility products to you.The livable and adaptable house The livable and adaptable house [pdf 2.1 MB]Wheelchair Buying Guide imageWheelchairs are an important piece of equipment in doctor s offices, in hospitals, in shopping malls, and in many homes. Wheelchairs allow people to move from one place to another within a building or...Read More about Wheelchair Buying GuideAirgo Adventure 6" Lightweight Rollator
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