Victorian Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP)
This page is a direct rule-based guide for AU_VIC_MULTI_PURPOSE_TAXI_PROGRAM (rule version 2025-26, effective 1 July 2025). It explains the Victorian Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) — a 50% taxi fare subsidy, capped at $60 per trip, for people who cannot use public transport.
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Quick Answer
You may qualify if you live in Victoria and have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from using public transport.
It subsidises your taxi fares. MPTP pays 50% of each fare, up to a maximum of $60 a trip — so a $100 fare costs you $40 after the maximum subsidy. In the questionnaire it is reached when state = VIC and disability_prevents_public_transport = true.
Outcome summary: ongoing, half-price taxi travel that keeps you connected to appointments, family and the community when buses, trams and trains are not an option, applied automatically when you pay with your MPTP card.
What Is This Payment?
The Multi Purpose Taxi Program helps people who cannot use public transport stay mobile by halving the cost of taxi travel. It recognises that for some Victorians a taxi is not a luxury but the only practical way to get around.
The rule database classes this as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. While it does subsidise fares, the saving depends on each trip, so it is surfaced as an eligibility outcome rather than a fixed annual figure: the program pays 50% of the fare, capped at $60 per trip.
It is administered through Safe Transport Victoria. NDIS participants should note that their transport may instead be funded through their NDIS plan.
How Much Can You Get?
The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none, because the saving varies by trip. The defined benefit is a 50% fare subsidy, capped at $60 per trip.
- 50% off each taxi fare, so a $40 fare costs you $20.
- Capped at $60 per trip — on a $140 fare the program pays the $60 maximum and you pay the rest.
- Applied at payment when you use your MPTP card, with no need to claim afterwards.
Eligibility Conditions
The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.
- You live in Victoria:
state = VIC. The program is run for Victorian residents. - You cannot use public transport:
disability_prevents_public_transport = true, due to a disability or medical condition, supported by medical evidence.
Eligibility is based on a medical assessment of whether your condition prevents you from using public transport, not on income, so there is no means test. Medical evidence of the disability is required.
If you are an NDIS participant, your transport may be funded through your NDIS plan instead, so it is worth checking which support applies before relying on MPTP for the same trips.
How To Apply
The channels are online and in person at a service centre, with medical evidence of the disability required. You apply through Safe Transport Victoria.
- Gather medical evidence confirming that your condition prevents you from using public transport.
- Apply online or at a service centre through Safe Transport Victoria.
- Use your MPTP card to pay, and the 50% subsidy (up to $60 a trip) is applied automatically.
Rule-Based Scenarios
Scenario 1: regular dialysis trips
Anh in Melbourne cannot use trams safely and travels to dialysis by taxi. With MPTP each $40 fare costs $20, roughly halving her ongoing transport bill.
Scenario 2: a longer suburban trip
Robert takes a $90 taxi to a specialist appointment. The 50% subsidy would be $45, but the per-trip cap means the program pays $45 here, leaving him $45 — and on a $140 fare the cap of $60 would apply.
Scenario 3: staying socially connected
Nina, who has a vision impairment, uses MPTP for shopping and visits to family, keeping her independent when public transport is not workable.
Scenario 4: an NDIS participant
Jake is on the NDIS with transport funding in his plan. He checks whether his trips should be funded through the NDIS rather than MPTP to avoid duplication.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting the per-trip cap: the subsidy is 50% but no more than $60 per trip, so on very long fares you pay the balance above the cap.
- Assuming it is a cash payment: MPTP discounts your fares at the point of payment; it does not pay money into your account.
- Not carrying your MPTP card: the subsidy is applied when you pay with the card, so you must have it with you.
- Overlooking NDIS funding: if you are an NDIS participant, your transport may be funded through your plan instead, so check which support applies.
- Skipping the medical evidence: your application needs medical evidence that your condition prevents you from using public transport.
- Thinking there is an income test: there is none — eligibility turns on whether your disability prevents you using public transport.
Related Benefits
- Disability Parking Permit — parking fee exemptions for people with a disability.
- Victorian Companion Card — a free carer's ticket at participating venues.
- Concession myki — discounted public transport for concession cardholders.
- Mobility Allowance — federal help with transport costs for people who cannot use public transport.
- Disability Support Pension — federal income support for long-term incapacity.
- Health Care Card — federal card unlocking concessions for low-income earners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does MPTP subsidise?
It pays 50% of each taxi fare, up to a maximum of $60 per trip. So a $40 fare costs you $20, and on fares above the cap you pay the amount over $60.
Is it a cash payment?
No. The subsidy is applied when you pay your fare with your MPTP card, rather than being paid into your bank account.
Who is eligible?
Victorians with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from using public transport, supported by medical evidence. There is no income test.
How do I apply?
Through Safe Transport Victoria, online or in person at a service centre, with medical evidence confirming that your condition prevents you using public transport.
What if I am on the NDIS?
Your transport may be funded through your NDIS plan instead, so check which support applies before relying on MPTP for the same trips.
Do I need to claim the discount back?
No. The subsidy is applied automatically at the point of payment when you use your MPTP card.
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