The Tasmanian Liberal Government's commitment to creating a truly inclusive Tasmania continues with development of the Sustainable Transport Solution underway.
The first stage of the commitment is focussed on reviewing the current landscape of accessible transport demand across the state, as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Collaboration on the Solution is underway, with Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, hosting a roundtable this week with Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, disability advocates, service providers and key stakeholders.
Minister for Disability Services, Jo Palmer, said the Tasmanian disability community deserves greater access to safe, secure and reliable transport options.
"Whether it be attending an appointment, going shopping or enjoying a meal out at a restaurant, I want to see more choice and accessibility for our disability community as our Government commits to building a truly inclusive Tasmania," Minister Palmer said.
"The roundtable focussed on unmet transport demand and is the first stage in what will be a larger consultation process with the Tasmanian disability community, service providers and other key stakeholders.
"We're committed to improving the lives of the one in four Tasmanians who live with disability."
Minister for Transport, Eric Abetz, said there are insufficient wheelchair accessible vehicles in Tasmania, and parts of the State have access to none.
"Taxis and ridesharing services are not available in many areas. That's why we're building a roadmap that outlines the needs and the capacity within the private fleet of vehicles and trained drivers that are operated by independent disability service providers," Minister Abetz said.
"We will also investigate the development of an online booking system to ensure bookings can be made quicker and easier."
An important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is to help develop stronger communities for all Tasmanians.
