- Cook Government's Regional Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi Service Grants boost accessible on-demand transport services inthe regions
- 2025-26 grant round recipients based in Exmouth and Port Headland
- Annual grant pool of$420,000available toestablishor enhance WAV taxi services in regional Western Australia
- Cook Government delivering quality services across the State
In asignificant boost for accessible on-demand transport in the State's north, taxi operators in Exmouth and Port Hedlandarethe recipients of the Cook Government's 2025-2026Regional Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi Service Grants.
The2025-2026grant round prioritisedareasidentifiedbytheDepartment of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI),to ensure fundingwas targetedtoareas with the greatest need.
Exmouth Bus Charter has been awarded a grant of $80,000toestablishand operatea WAV taxi service alongside its existing charter business. Exmouth was identified as a high-priority location for the grant as there is currently no WAV taxi service available.
In Port Hedland,Awale Jibril has been awarded $60,000 tooperateanadditionalWAV taxi service inthe town. Thisadditionalservice will be affiliated with Dreamtime Taxis,a previousrecipient of the grant in 2024-2025.
TheDTMIadministered grants provide financial support to operators toestablisha WAV taxi service in a town without accessible on-demand transport. The grants also support regional operators with an existing WAV taxi service to meet demand or ensure continuity of service.
Operators can apply for the following funding offerings:
- up to $80,000 toestablisha new WAV taxi service in a regional town where none exists;
- up to $60,000 to enable regional operators to replace a WAV orpurchaseanadditionalvehicle to meet demand; and
- up to $20,000 tomodifya suitable vehicle to transport passengers who must remain seated in a wheelchair where an established WAV taxi service already exists.
For more information on Regional WAV TaxiServiceGrants, visit the DTMI website .
As stated by Minister Assisting theTransport MinisterJessicaStojkovski:
"Thanks to the Cook Government's Regional WAV TaxiServiceGrants, established and existing WAV taxi services are being expanded in the State's regions.
"These helpregional taxi operators to provide important accessible transport optionsand provide independence for residents and visitorswith disability living in regional WA.
"This is just another way the Cook Government is improving infrastructure and services in our regional centres and remote communities.
"I encourage regional taxi operatorsinterested in establishing a WAV taxi service or expanding their current services to visit the DTMI website for more information."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I am pleased to see the Cook Government's Regional WAV Taxi Service Grants delivering greater independence for residents and visitors living with disability, while strengthening the inclusiveness and connection of our communities.
"Reliable transport is important in the Pilbara and our regional taxi operators play a vital role in connecting people to work, medical appointments, education, and community activities.
"These grants will help them expand their services, meet growing demand, and provide more accessible on-demand transport options."
