- Rollout of new digital Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) system on track
- Department of Transport's metro pilot program will now rollout in the regions
- PTSS system scheduled to go live across the state from 1 March 2025
The new digital Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) is on track to go live across Western Australia on 1 March 2025, following a successful pilot program in the Perth metropolitan area.
In December 2024, the Department of Transport (DoT) ran the PTSS pilot program to test the new smartcard and PTSS mobile app with a small group of taxi drivers from Black & White Cabs and Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) participants from the Perth metropolitan area.
Pilot participants provided positive reports about the new digital system, including:
- shorter journey times with less paperwork required to be completed by the driver;
- the card is less bulky and easier to carry than vouchers; and
- no worry about running out of vouchers or ordering new books makes things easier.
Over the next month, the PTSS pilot will expand to regional WA, with Northam and Albany the first cabs off the rank, to provide DoT with further insights into how the system will work for people living and working in the regions.
Before the PTSS system goes live across the State from 1 March 2025, new PTSS cards will be received by existing TUSS participants from early February with their subsidy entitlement already recognised on the card.
From 1 March, all drivers must accept the PTSS card, however there will be a transition period where old TUSS cards and vouchers may be accepted by taxi drivers. DoT will advise when the transition period has ended via regular industry newsletters.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:
"I'm pleased by the success of the pilot of the new digital Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme, or PTSS, for both drivers and participants in the metro area and I will keep a close eye on the pilot as it rolls out in regional WA.
"If you are an existing Taxi User Subsidy Scheme participant, you will receive your new PTSS smartcard from February, which will save you time and improve convenience when you take a taxi by removing the need for paper vouchers."
