2026/2027 Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Fuel Relief Initiative

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATs) play a vital role in NSW's transport network, enabling people with disability to access healthcare, employment, education, and community services.

The NSW Government is providing a targeted, one-off cost relief to the point-to-point transport industry in response to significant increases in fuel prices, particularly diesel. These measures recognise the essential role of WATs in maintaining transport access for people with a disability and the broader community, particularly in regional areas.

The initiative includes a one-off fuel grant payment to WAT vehicle owners. This measure is designed to provide immediate cost relief, support the continued availability of services, and maintain the financial viability of operators without increasing costs for passengers.

Further details can be found in the Guidelines. 

Instructions for Applicants

Before submitting your application:

- Read the Guidelines carefully available at Accessible Point to Point Transport Initiatives | Transport for NSW .

- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met before progressing with the application.

- Submit your application before the closing date. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

- For multiple WAT vehicles under the same ABN, one application may be submitted. Please enter each taxi plate number separated by a comma (‘,’). Where vehicles are registered under different ABNs, a separate application must be submitted for each WAT vehicle. 

For questions or assistance, email: watgrants@transport.nsw.gov.au and please quote your application number and name/ business name to assist us finding your details

The WAT fuel relief grant is designed to:

1. Provide financial relief for WAT vehicle operators for costs associated with maintaining regular WAT services to the community
2. Support the continued availability of WAT transport services, and
3. Reduce cost pressures of recent fuel price spikes.

The Applicant acknowledges and agrees that:

• Submission of this application does not guarantee funding will be granted for any project, and the Department expressly reserves its right to accept or reject this application at its discretion;
• They must bear the costs of preparing and submitting this application and the Department does not accept any liability for such costs, whether or not this application is ultimately accepted or rejected; and
• They have read the Funding Guidelines and Terms & Conditions for the Program and have fully informed themselves of the relevant program requirements.

The Department may be required to release information under the GIPA Act or other applicable laws. By submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges this possibility.

Conditions include:

1. The vehicle registration type supports WAT services and is registered in NSW,
2. The operator is an authorised Taxi Service Provider (TSP) or an Affiliated TSP,
3. Where a WAT vehicle owner has received a Prohibition Notice as issued by the Point-to-Point Commissioner within 12 months of the date a grant application being made, the required compliance actions must have been addressed before the application can be assessed,
4. Greater Sydney WAT vehicles should have at least logged into the Wheelchair Book & Ride service within the last 12 months at the time of application or have completed an M50 job through TTSS to be eligible for application,
5. WAT vehicles outside of Greater Sydney should have at least completed an M50 job through Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) or have an email from their TSP or Affiliated TSP supporting the completion of WAT work to be eligible for application, and
6. Have no outstanding TTSS investigations at the time of application or have been suspended from performing M50 work through the TTSS program.