In Auckland Supercare4u.com operates a continual passenger transport service for clients with mobility issues. It is becoming common knowledge that there is a bit of a panic in Auckland with the transport of special needs students to school after a change in the taxi company used by the Government.
The issues have been widespread and have affected students from primary to secondary school age. Some schools say the situation has improved, but others are still experiencing significant problems.
Taxis to and from school for some special needs students are funded by the Ministry of Education. At the end of last year, Alert Taxi Group won the tender for central Auckland, North Shore, Tauranga and Whangarei, beating previous provider Auckland Co-Op Taxis.
Alert has subcontracted out many of the school jobs to other taxi companies at a far lower rate than the previous company offered.Supercare4u.com has learnt that one driver was offered $33.00 (incl GST) to transfer 4 wheelchair clients . From the distance involved this fare should have been in the $60.00 zone to be financial for the driver. So the new incumbent operator that has the tender is seeing many taxis arriving late or not at all since the start of the school year.
Staff from Mt Roskill Grammar School's MacLean Centre were forced to drive two students home hours after school after a taxi no-show. Teachers calling to find out about taxis have been put on hold for 30 minutes before being disconnected.
The MacLean Centre, and the Endeavour Centre at neighbouring Mt Roskill Primary School, last week met Budget and South Auckland Taxis. Alert declined to attend........
Special education transport assistance was provided to more than 4000 students, and the ministry has been advised problems affected less than 10 per cent of those students.
Perhaps the Education Dept should realise that the lowest tender is not necessarily the best
to have .........
