Applications for the 2026-27 WAV Modification Grant are open from 8.00am, Thursday 27 August and close 5.00pm, Thursday 1 October 2026. Visit Transport WA Grants to apply.
About the WAV Modification Grant
The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Modification Grant (the grant) is designed to support eligible on demand rank or hail (taxi) passenger transport vehicle operators in metropolitan or regional Western Australia with the cost of:
- modifications to install wheelchair hoist and restraint systems, or
- the replacement of ageing wheelchair hoist and restraint systems.
The grant also supports other Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) accessible transport initiatives, including the Passenger Transport Subsidy Scheme (PTSS).
If you are operating in regional WA, you may be eligible for the Regional WAV Taxi Service Grant.
Grant objectives
The grant aims to:
- Increase WAV taxi availability in WA.
- Support existing WAV taxi services with ageing equipment to upgrade and modernise their equipment, to make transport safer and more reliable.
- Ensure eligible people who require the use of a wheelchair in WA have access to PTSS, via the provision of WAV taxis.
Grant guidelines
The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Modification Grant guidelines 2026-27 outline requirements for applicants and successful recipients (grantees).
This page outlines key information from these guidelines. For more information, read the guidelines document.
Funding
The grant provides funding to cover the costs involved in modifying a vehicle to become a new WAV service or replacing ageing wheelchair and hoist equipment in an existing WAV.
The grant currently offers funding of up to $34,000 to:
- Install WAV equipment in a previously purchased vehicle.
- Replace WAV equipment that is over 5 years old.
Note: Grant offerings may not cover the full costs of modifications or replacement of equipment.
Grantees will be required to maintain the WAV taxi service and continue to provide reports to DTMI for a minimum of 3 years after being awarded the grant.
Successful grantees will need to hold the following passenger transport authorisations:
- Passenger transport vehicle (PTV).
- Passenger transport driver (PTD).
- On demand booking service (ODBS) or association arrangement with an authorised ODBS. For metropolitan applicants, an association arrangement with the approved Metropolitan WAV Dedicated Taxi Booking Service (currently Black & White Cabs).
Funding delivery
Applicants must already own a suitable vehicle to be modified, before applying for the grant. The value of the replacement and/or installation costs will be paid to the authorised installer, after the completion of the work. Any surplus funds are not granted to the grantee.
For more information about grant funding, see the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Modification Grant guidelines 2026-27.
Vehicle equipment requirements
In line with Regulation 18 of the Transport (Road Passenger Services) Regulations 2020, the grantee must provide evidence that the below Australian Standards have been met:
- AS 3856.1:2021, Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities — Vehicle mounted, Part 1: Product requirements
- AS 3856.2:2021, Hoists and ramps for people with disabilities — Vehicle fitted, Part 2: Fitting requirements, and
- AS/NZS 10542.1:2015, Technical systems and aids for people with disability – Wheelchair tiedown and occupant-restraint systems, Part 1: Requirements and test methods for all systems.
The Australian Standards can be viewed in-person, by making an appointment request. Email the On-demand Transport Grant team at odtgrants@transport.wa.gov.au.
WAVs must also comply with the following elements of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002:
- the provisions of Part 9 that apply to taxis, and
- Section 12.5.
The grantee must provide evidence that these standards have been met, before the funding can be paid.
For more information about WAV equipment and requirements, visit Wheelchair accessible vehicles, or read the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Modification Grant guidelines 2026-27.
More information
If you have any questions about the grant, email odtgrants@transport.wa.gov.au.