A larger or six-seat taxi may lack a wheelchair ramp. Specify remaining in the chair and check the vehicle class before relying on a booking.
What to have ready
Before you start
SynCab's FAQ distinguishes PRIME from its MPT and eMPT vehicles. The latter have wheelchair ramps and designated spaces; PRIME does not. Published limits are 140 cm occupied height, a 70 cm ramp width and a 200 kg combined chair-and-user load. eMPT carries one wheelchair user plus three companions, while MPT carries one plus two. Apply these as that provider's specifications, then confirm your actual chair and equipment. The number of ordinary seats or the phrase 'large taxi' does not establish that a passenger can remain safely seated in their wheelchair.
What to do, step by step
- Measure the travelling configuration with footrests, headrest and the passenger's full height, checking combined weight for powered chairs too. Tell the operator whether transfer to a vehicle seat is possible. If remaining in the chair is essential, request the wheelchair vehicle explicitly. Count companions and luggage as part of the fit enquiry so that the planned vehicle matches the whole group.
- Book through SynCab's app, official web portal or 3700 6500; its FAQ accepts requests within a week. Choose the wheelchair option and enter the usable pickup entrance, then monitor assignment. The website gives differing telephone-hour descriptions, so check availability when using phone support. An app accepting requests around the clock does not establish that a human hotline will answer at every hour.
- Compare the booking fee, current metered fare and applicable toll or other extras, using the app for the latest booking fee. TD's passenger guidance says crutches and wheelchairs are carried free in taxis; ask separately about other luggage. For a charter or airport pickup, obtain the relevant quote. A street-hail fare estimate may omit booking charges and does not establish the total for a reserved service.
- A request awaiting matching is unfinished. Once assigned, retain the confirmation, licence plate and driver contact. SynCab describes driver details becoming available at least 15 minutes before pickup, while remote locations can take longer to arrange. Treat that as the provider's process, not a universal arrival guarantee. Reconfirm chair and entrance with the driver, book the return independently and plan how to respond if the vehicle is delayed.
Costs, timing, and things to check
Share necessary journey information while keeping unrelated medical or identity records out of the booking. Pickup location, reachable contact, wheelchair configuration and required assistance are usually the useful details. Ask what boarding and securement help is provided, and organise personal care or inaccessible-building support separately. A driver assigned to a wheelchair taxi should not be assumed to provide clinical care or stair carrying.
Boarding also needs a safe, lawful place where the ramp can be deployed. A junction, slope or restricted kerb may be unsuitable. Special disabled-passenger pickup certificates have limits and do not permit waiting in a restricted zone or boarding on expressways and 24-hour restricted zones. Agree the entrance with the venue and operator, and keep the trip's cancellation and waiting terms alongside the quote.
A practical example
A family of four includes one wheelchair user with an occupied height of 135 cm and combined load of 170 kg. They ask about an eMPT for the user and three companions, supplying chair width and equipment details as well. After assignment, they check the plate, booking fee, meter and hospital entrance. If only an MPT can be arranged, they change one companion's transport instead of assuming the extra person will fit. The return is a separate confirmed request.
Specify the usable wheelchair vehicle, then confirm fit, cost and actual assignment.
Official information and enquiries
These are the reference and service entry points for this guide. Check current fees, eligibility, and schedules with the authority. The preparation date is not each source's official update date.