ACCESSIBLE TAXI SERVICES

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (14:32): My question is to the Minister for Transport Services. Can the minister inform the house about access taxi and bus services organised for Christmas Day?

The Hon. C.C. FOX (Bright—Minister for Transport Services) (14:33): Thank you, and I thank the member for Mitchell. This year there are nearly 100 (that is 96) access taxis registered to provide services on Christmas Day, and that is an increase of seven access taxis on last year's number. Access cabs have been preparing for the Christmas rush from August, ringing nursing homes and other clients to plan ahead. This year, Christmas Day for access taxis is not yet fully booked; however, customers are asked to book as soon as possible to secure their preferred time.

Also, additional accessible vehicles will be sourced from the Julia Farr Centre and bus service providers. There are four extra accessible minibuses on standby, two based in the south at Lonsdale and two based in the north at the Elizabeth depot, which will be used as required. Further to that, I am advised that arrangements have also been made with each contractor to ensure that every single Adelaide Metro bus on the road on Christmas Day is accessible to those using wheelchairs. Peak periods such as these are always difficult to manage, but the department, taxi and bus companies have more services available this year than ever before to cope with increasing demands.

Last year on Christmas Day there were 89 access taxis registered for duty; over 1,000 bookings were despatched; and 97% of those bookings were picked up within 30 minutes of the requested time. The average waiting time for passengers was four minutes. One complaint was received on Christmas Day in 2010, while seven commendations were received. This year, of course, we will be aiming for no complaints and for everybody to enjoy Christmas Day without any hassle.