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About the TUSS reform
The Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) is being modernised by the WA Government. Read this page for information about what’s changing and how to stay up to date.
The new, digital Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) will replace TUSS by 1 March 2025.
Based on feedback from previous consultation with TUSS participants and taxi industry stakeholders, the Department of Transport (DoT) is working to deliver a digital system that will no longer require paper vouchers to be used. DoT is developing:
- a new smartcard to replace the current participant card, which will be scanned by the taxi driver to start and end a trip; and
- a digital system for taxi drivers that will record all the trip details, saving time and improving fare accuracy.
As part of the move to a modern, digital scheme, TUSS will be renamed the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS). This new name reflects the current language used for WA’s passenger transport industry and will help differentiate the new system.
We are also working on simplifying the application process and improving our internal systems.
Easy Read information
We have made an Easy Read document to explain how we are changing TUSS.
There are two versions of the document:
- a PDF version with pictures to explain some ideas; and
- a text-only Word version.
You can ask for help to read these documents. A friend, family member or support person might be able to help you.
Find the Easy Read documents below.
| Taxi User Subsidy Scheme – How we are changing the scheme (Easy Read) | Kb | |
| Taxi User Subsidy Scheme – How we are changing the scheme (Easy Read – text only) | Kb | |
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When will PTSS start?
PTSS will replace TUSS by 1 March 2025. From this date, drivers for all on-demand booking services (ODBS) providing rank or hail services must be able to accept PTSS.
There will be a transition period between 1 March and 30 September 2025, where TUSS cards and vouchers may be accepted by taxi drivers in exceptional circumstances.
DoT will start posting the new PTSS card to existing participants from February 2025. Participants should make sure their contact details are confirmed with DoT, to ensure we can send their participant card to the correct address – see FAQs for participants below for more information.
Please note: these timeframes are provided as a guide and may change. Any major changes will be communicated with TUSS participants and the taxi industry.
About the PTSS pilot
From 2–13 December 2024, DoT ran a pilot of the digital PTSS system in the Perth metropolitan area, with a small number of taxi drivers and TUSS participants.
In early 2025, the PTSS pilot will expand to several areas in regional WA with participating ODBSs.
Find out more about the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) pilot.
What does the PTSS card look like?
The new participant card will be a smartcard that is scanned by the driver to start and end the taxi trip. The card features:
- the participant’s name and number;
- the card number and expiry date;
- a photo of the participant;
- the letters “PTSS” in braille and a round notch cut out of the bottom right side, to assist people with vision impairment to locate the card; and
- the subsidy type.
DoT will continue engaging with key disability organisations to ensure the PTSS card is accessible.
Example of the new PTSS card
See below for an example of the new PTSS card design. Note: this example is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not reflect all card security features and available subsidy levels.
What will happen on a PTSS journey
The new PTSS system will provide a smoother journey experience for both passengers and drivers, streamlining the process for drivers and helping ensure accurate subsidy calculations and fare amounts for passengers.
The below steps outline the process of a PTSS journey.
- The PTSS participant books a journey or hails a taxi from the street or a rank.
- The taxi driver scans the PTSS card at the beginning of the journey.
- Taxi journey occurs.
- The PTSS card is scanned again by the taxi driver at the end of the journey.
- The taxi driver’s mobile phone app will calculate the amount of the fare to be paid by the PTSS participant. The app will audibly read out the fare amount and display it on screen.
- The PTSS participant will pay the remainder of the fare, after the subsidy is calculated.
The PTSS mobile app can continue to record journey details if the internet connection drops, to ensure no journey data is lost.
Further information about how to use the PTSS mobile app can be found in the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide (below).
| Download the PTSS mobile app for Android | ||
|---|---|---|
| Download the PTSS mobile app for iOS/Apple iPhone | ||
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide | Kb | |
Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme guidelines
The Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Guidelines for Industry and Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme Guidelines for Participants are now in force (below).
These documents outline the rules and responsibilities for on-demand rank or hail (taxi) drivers and ODBSs, as well as PTSS participants and applicants.
These replace the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) Guidelines.
Penalties apply if these guidelines are not followed.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) Guidelines for Industry | Kb | |
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) Guidelines for Participants | Kb | |
Regulations amended to support PTSS
From 2 December 2024, new regulations that support the digital PTSS system have been published (below). These changes in legislation are available to view in the Transport (Road Passenger Services) Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2024 (below), outlining:
- the amended regulations that support PTSS;
- offences related to PTSS; and
- when the changes will apply.
The Transport (Road Passenger Services) Regulations 2020 will be updated as each stage commences.
| Transport (Road Passenger Services) Amendment Regulations (No. 3) 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Transport (Road Passenger Services) Regulations 2020 | ||
FAQs for participants
How do I confirm my details?
In October 2023, we contacted all TUSS participants to request they confirm their contact details with DoT. If you haven’t returned your form yet, please complete it and send it to DoT. We cannot send your new participant card without your correct contact details.
Fill out the front and back of the form that was enclosed with your letter (form also available below). Return your completed form to DoT:
- mail your form to DoT using the enclosed reply-paid envelope; or
- scan your completed and signed form and email it to tussupdates@transport.wa.gov.au.
If you have any questions about how to confirm your details, please call 13 11 56 or email tussupdates@transport.wa.gov.au.
| Confirm your Taxi User Subsidy Scheme participant details form (ODT186) | Kb | |
When will I get my new PTSS card?
From early February 2025, we will start posting new PTSS cards to all existing participants. The PTSS card will automatically apply the subsidy you are entitled to.
Note: If your TUSS card is green, your new PTSS card will be purple. You will receive the same subsidy amounts you are used to – only the appearance of the card has changed.
Until 1 March 2025, you may use your PTSS card if your driver is able to accept PTSS. You should carry your PTSS card as well as your TUSS card and vouchers, as some drivers may not be ready to accept PTSS.
From 1 March, all drivers must accept your PTSS card. Please report any drivers who are unable to accept your PTSS card to DoT by emailing ondemandtransport@transport.wa.gov.au.
There will be a transition period between 1 March and 30 September 2025, where TUSS cards and vouchers may be accepted by taxi drivers in exceptional circumstances.
It’s important that you confirm your contact details with DoT, to ensure we can send their participant card to the correct address – see Confirm your TUSS participant details above for more information.
What are my responsibilities for using my PTSS card?
When you use your PTSS card, you agree to:
- follow the terms and conditions outlined in the PTSS Participant Guidelines (below);
- not sell, exchange, lend or give away your PTSS card;
- be responsible for keeping your PTSS card safe and will not leave it with a taxi driver or other person; and
- report your PTSS card to DoT if it is lost or stolen.
Note: incorrect use of your PTSS pilot card may lead to administrative or legal consequences.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) Guidelines for Participants | Kb | |
Will participants need an app or smartphone to access the new system?
No, TUSS participants will not need an app or smartphone when the new TUSS system starts from late 2024.
How will interstate travel work under the new TUSS system?
If you are a WA TUSS participant, you are entitled to access your normal subsidy when travelling in another state in Australia. Under the new TUSS system, you will still need to get a TUSS Interstate Voucher Book to access your subsidy in another state.
Visit Apply for TUSS for more information about interstate travel.
How will interstate travel work under the new TUSS system?
If you are a WA TUSS participant, you are entitled to access your normal subsidy when travelling in another state in Australia. Under the new TUSS system, you will still need to get a TUSS Interstate Voucher Book to access your subsidy in another state.
Visit Apply for TUSS for more information about interstate travel.
Will subsidy amounts increase?
As part of the TUSS reform, DoT is reviewing subsidy caps and taxi driver co-payment amounts associated with the scheme. Any increases to subsidy caps that may be recommended as a result of that review, would be subject to the normal government budget approval process and could not be implemented until after the new digital TUSS solution is implemented.
FAQs for ODBSs
How do my drivers use PTSS?
There are two ways to use the digital PTSS system:
- drivers install and use the PTSS mobile app on their mobile device; or
- ODBSs integrate their own digital systems (like dispatch software) with the PTSS application programming interface (API).
Both ways of accessing the digital PTSS system will collect journey details and send this information to DoT.
As an ODBS providing rank or hail (taxi) services, you must decide which method your drivers will use and communicate this information with your drivers.
To support drivers using the PTSS mobile app, DoT has created the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide (below).
If you’re an ODBS and interested in integrating your systems with the PTSS API, please email us at tussupdates@transport.wa.gov.au for more technical information.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide | Kb | |
| Download the PTSS mobile app for Android | ||
|---|---|---|
| Download the PTSS mobile app for iOS/Apple iPhone | ||
How do I register my ODBS for PTSS?
All authorised ODBSs who provide on-demand rank or hail (taxi) services are required to register for the digital PTSS system via DoTDirect. This is important to enable DoT to make payments to ODBSs on behalf of your drivers.
Refer to the user guide below for instructions on how to register your ODBS for PTSS.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme user guide for on-demand booking services | Kb | |
How do payments to drivers work?
PTSS journey details will be submitted to DoT via:
- the PTSS mobile app; or
- dispatch equipment that your ODBS has integrated with DoT systems, to automatically capture journey details.
DoT will validate all PTSS journeys and pay the subsidy and any co-payment amounts to the ODBS associated with the journey.
PTSS payments on behalf of drivers will be deposited in the bank account nominated by your ODBS. Your ODBS will be able to view reports in DoTDirect that outline:
- the PTSS journeys included in the payment;
- the value of the subsidy for each PTSS journey; and
- the driver that completed that journey.
Refer to the user guide below for more details about how to view PTSS reports in DoTDirect.
ODBSs are responsible for paying the correct amounts to their drivers. ODBSs and drivers will need to consider any financial arrangements regarding passing on subsidy payments – these are private commercial arrangements that DoT is unable to be involved with.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme user guide for on-demand booking services | Kb | |
What records will ODBSs need to keep?
All ODBSs registered for PTSS will need to provide DoT with the records of all journeys for which a PTSS-subsidised fare was provided, including:
- date and time the booking was taken/facilitated;
- date and time the journey started and ended;
- location the journey started and ended;
- driver’s passenger transport driver (PTD) authorisation number;
- vehicle plate number;
- booking reference number (allocated by the ODBS);
- number of passengers carried who were seated in a wheelchair (if any);
- total fare amount; and
- the subsidy amount for the fare.
DoT will use these records to validate subsidy and co-payment claims and ensure compliance with the Regulations and PTSS Guidelines for Industry.
All ODBS registered for PTSS must keep the booking records of PTSS journeys and produce the records of bookings that took place in a calendar month within 7 days of that calendar month ending.
My ODBS has previously provided data to DoT for TUSS, will the requirements change for PTSS?
Yes. All journey data requests for PTSS have been amended to include the total fare of the PTSS journey. A full list of what will be required from 1 March 2025 can be found in the PTSS Guidelines for Industry.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) Guidelines for Industry | Kb | |
My ODBS has received a request for PTSS journey data, but no journeys have been completed in the specified time period – what do I do?
Once your ODBS has registered for PTSS, you will receive monthly emails requesting that you submit booking records for PTSS journeys that occurred in the previous month. If your ODBS has completed no PTSS journeys in the specified time period, follow the below steps.
- Log into your ODBS’s DoTDirect account.
- Select the 'no journeys were conducted during this period' box on the Upload journey data screen.
FAQs for drivers
How do drivers use the new digital PTSS system?
There will be two ways to use the digital PTSS system:
- drivers install and use the DoT PTSS mobile app on their mobile device; or
- ODBSs integrate their own digital systems (like dispatch software) with the PTSS application programming interface (API).
Both ways of accessing the digital PTSS system will collect journey details and send this information to DoT. ODBSs will decide which method they will use and communicate this information with their drivers.
To support drivers using the PTSS mobile app, DoT has created the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide (below).
If you’re an ODBS and interested in integrating your systems with the PTSS API, please email us at tussupdates@transport.wa.gov.au for more technical information.
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide | Kb | |
| Download the PTSS mobile app for Android | ||
|---|---|---|
| Download the PTSS mobile app for iOS/Apple iPhone | ||
Where can I download the PTSS mobile app?
The PTSS mobile app is available for Android and iOS devices.
- The PTSS mobile app for Android is only available via the Google Play store.
- The PTSS mobile app for iOS / Apple iPhone is available through the Apple App Store.
Search “PTSS” in your app store, or use the links below to download.
To support drivers using the PTSS mobile app, DoT has created the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide (below).
| Download the PTSS mobile app for Android | ||
|---|---|---|
| Download the PTSS mobile app for iOS/Apple iPhone | ||
| Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme mobile app user guide | Kb | |
What type of mobile device is compatible with the DoT PTSS mobile app?
The PTSS mobile app can be used on any mobile phone using iOS (16 or above) or Android (13 or above).
The driver’s device must always be on their person when driving an on-demand rank or hail (taxi) vehicle, for the purpose of hire or reward.
If your ODBS uses the API, you may not need a mobile device that meets the requirements.
Find out more on the PTSS mobile app webpage.
How will drivers get paid?
PTSS journey details will be submitted to DoT via:
- the PTSS mobile app; or
- dispatch equipment that your ODBS has integrated with DoT systems, to automatically capture journey details.
DoT will validate all PTSS journeys and pay the subsidy and any co-payment amounts to the ODBS associated with the journey.
As a driver, the ODBS associated with your PTSS journey is responsible for distributing accurate and timely PTSS payments to you, including for rank or hail bookings.
ODBSs and drivers will need to consider any financial arrangements regarding passing on subsidy payments – these are private commercial arrangements that DoT is unable to be involved with.
Drivers will have access to detailed records of their journeys and payments through their own DoTDirect account.
If you have any questions about your PTSS payments, please contact the ODBS that you undertook the work for.
Do drivers still need to accept TUSS vouchers?
There will be a transition period between 1 March and 30 September 2025, where TUSS cards and vouchers may be accepted by taxi drivers in exceptional circumstances.
After 1 March, what do I do if a passenger presents a PTSS card and TUSS vouchers?
If a passenger presents you with a new PTSS card and their TUSS vouchers, ensure you only use the mobile app or your ODBS’s integrated dispatch system to capture journey details. From 1 March 2025, you may not get paid if you accept TUSS vouchers from participants who have a PTSS card.
Do I still need to accept interstate taxi subsidy vouchers?
Yes, you must still continue to accept interstate taxi subsidy vouchers.
TUSS reform achievements in 2023
We completed a lot of work during 2023 as we began to modernise and improve TUSS. Our main achievements included:
- Enhanced systems for more efficient processing of TUSS applications.
- Developed a new online portal for occupational therapist assessments to submit their recommendations securely and electronically to DoT.
- Commenced confirmation of TUSS participant contact details to ensure they receive important information and updates about the new TUSS system. Read Confirm your TUSS participant details (above) for more information.
- Published an updated TUSS application form in accessible PDF format. Visit Apply for TUSS to find the application form.
- Started design work on a new, accessible participant card.
- Commenced work to develop a digital way to record TUSS trips, including:
- a mobile application for drivers; and
- functionality to link taxi dispatch equipment to DoT systems via an application programming interface (API).
- Engaged with key disability and community stakeholders to discuss the planned changes.