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Becoming a Data Collection Provider

Data collection services, facilitated through a Data Collection Provider (DCP) are integral to being able to provide MPTP Services.

Any booking service provider (BSP) that wants to offer MPTP services must use the services of an authorised DCP to process payments and subsidies.

Through our DCP Expansion Project, we’ve simplified the application process for any party interested in becoming an authorised DCP and facilitating MPTP payment and subsidy processing.

It’s part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to providing more choice and improving accessible transport options across commercial passenger vehicles (CPVs), ultimately providing greater choice for MPTP members.

The MPTP supports Victorians who are unable to access public transport independently or safely due to mobility and accessibility needs by subsidising CPV fares. CPVV pays half the total fare of each trip taken by an MPTP member, up to $60.

The MPTP provides a vital service to thousands of Victorians with nearly 5 million subsidised trips taken by more than 98,000 active members in 2019-20.

The broader MPTP Expansion Project – of which this simplified application process is part of, has already led to an increase in providers. This has been welcomed by members of the disability community.

How to apply

The process for becoming an approved DCP is explained in this 'Invitation to Supply' document.

It covers all the requirements a prospective DCP needs to meet to offer, or support another service provider in offering, MPTP services. All prospective providers will be assessed against the criteria outlined in the Invitation to Supply.

The first step for prospective providers is to request and attend a briefing session with CPVV. At that session they can discuss any queries they have and confirm the application lodgement process, should they wish to submit a formal application.

The process is designed to be open, transparent and fair to all potential providers, regardless of how established their business is and all potential providers will be assessed against the same criteria.

Download the Invitation to Supply document

The Invitation to Supply Process

FAQ

What is the DCP Expansion Project?

Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria is now commencing the Data Collection Provider (DCP) Expansion project to support additional providers who want to offer data collection services for the MPTP program.

The DCP expansion aims to provide greater choice and better availability for both industry and passengers whilst ensuring the industry is accessible, safe and competitive.

It will enable equitable access to the larger number of service types enjoyed by other Victorians, including services tailored to women and children, premium services, and the benefit of deregulated fare structures.

What booking service providers have been approved as DCPs to provide MPTP services to date?

Net-Cabs (trading as Oiii) completed a successful DCP trial in 2018 and is now offering MPTP services to members in metropolitan Melbourne.

A trial with Uber was conducted in the Geelong area for three months in March 2020. Following the successful trial, from January 2021, Uber became an authorised DCP and can transport MPTP members across Victoria.

CPVV has also received applications from a number of other prospective providers which are currently being processed.

What are the criteria for a provider to be eligible to be considered as a DCP?

Prospective providers will be assessed against a range of criteria. Assessments will take into consideration:

  • financial capability
  • insurance cover
  • any potential conflicts of interest
  • business capability – for example resources, risk management, customer service
  • the user experience for MPTP members and industry (drivers, booking service providers, vehicle owners)
  • innovation and value-adding
  • social benefit
  • past performance and current work
  • systems to measure and monitor performance
  • pricing
  • value for money

What’s the difference between a data collection provider (DCP) and a booking service provider (BSP)?

Any BSP can offer MPTP services if they use the services of a DCP.

A booking service provider (BSP) is a business that receives requests from customers for a CPV service (a trip) including taxis, hire cars, rideshares and wedding cars. A BSP arranges or facilitates the acceptance of these requests by, or on behalf of, CPV drivers. Alternatively, a BSP may own, operate or control a wholly or partly automated electronic system (for example an app) that distributes and allocates bookings.

A BSP can accept payment for the service on behalf of the driver, or have a payment made directly to the driver. CPV drivers and owners usually have the choice of subscribing to one or more registered BSPs. BSPs can be organisations based within, or outside of, Victoria.

The role of a data collection provider (DCP) is to facilitate the BSP’s ability to offer MPTP services by providing a technology solution (user interface) that can be used by the driver and the MPTP member to process MPTP transactions. This technical role manages data and payment operations and mitigates fraud on behalf of the booking service provider. In some cases, a BSP can apply to become a DCP and offer DCP services to itself.

Will all providers be required to make wheelchair accessible services available?

No. Not all current MPTP providers have wheelchair accessible vehicles. However, collapsible wheelchairs or mobility scooters that can fit in the boot of a standard vehicle are able to be taken.

There are also incentives available to drivers and vehicle owners who do provide wheelchair accessible services such as wheelchair lifting fees. All new data collection providers who are approved to offer MPTP services and invest in wheelchair accessible vehicles can apply to access these subsidies. There is also a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Subsidy Scheme, which subsidises the cost of a WAV in certain instances.

The DCP Expansion is another way that the broader CPV industry will be incentivised to invest in more accessible services. A prospective provider’s stance on providing wheelchair accessible services will also be considered in the social benefit and value for money sections of their assessment.

Why are new and innovative technology solutions important for passengers and the industry?

New technologies can improve member experience, reduce costs to service providers and provide enhanced value for money.

The broader MPTP expansion has already seen new technology that eliminates the opportunity for driver fraud. The DCP Expansion Project will further support these new and innovative technology solutions.

Will MPTP fares be regulated or capped to avoid surge pricing?

No. MPTP members deserve to have the same opportunity as all Victorians to make their service choice based on fares, safety features and service quality. One of the benefits of the MPTP Expansion is that members will have access to deregulated fares and increased competition. Like all Victorians, they enjoy consumer protections such as being able to request a fare estimate and being able to choose the service that best meets their needs.

How does CPVV ensure alternative systems and data are secure?

Organisations offering potential DCP systems must demonstrate an ability to meet strict functional and technical specifications as well as CPVV back-of-house systems and technology architecture. The DCP Expansion Program is focused on ensuring that any alternative systems are secure and that all data collection processes support CPVV’s efforts to ensure business capability, data integrity, efficiency and overall security of its programs.

Can any booking service provider (BSP) expand their services to MPTP passengers?

Any BSP can offer MPTP services if they use the services of a DCP or engage in creating their own data collection service. Encouraging more DCPs to the CPV market will also provide greater choice for BSPs.

Are there security cameras in vehicles offering MPTP services?

Security cameras are required in vehicles that offer unbooked services (those hailed or from a rank) in the Melbourne metropolitan and urban and large regional zones.

While this requirement does not extend to vehicles offering pre-booked MPTP services, many have innovative service models and new technologies that provide consumers with greater choice regarding safety, including female only services; services for children; the option to share your journey live with a loved one; and a capacity to contact emergency services directly through a mobile app.

Are there specific safety requirements for vehicles providing accessible services?

  • Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles – The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT) outline the requirements and design standards that all WAVs are required to meet and comply with. These include WAVs having wheelchair/occupant restraint systems, grabrails, signs and alarms. Braille is required in all WAV vehicles in line with Commonwealth requirements.
  • Taxis (booked, unbooked) and Rideshare vehicles – These vehicles must carry a current, annual Certificate of Roadworthiness for the licensed vehicle or current evidence that the vehicle has passed a CPVV-approved inspection process.

Information on becoming a DCP is available in the following Invitation to Supply documents. If you are interested please contact DCPExpansion.Project@cpv.vic.gov.au.