(1)  This section applies to perpetual taxi licences and owner-operator taxi licences in force in a taxi area where there is no wheelchair-accessible taxi licence in force.

(2)  The owner of a perpetual taxi licence or, if that licence is leased, the responsible operator, or the holder of an owner-operator taxi licence may apply to the Commission for authorisation to operate a service equivalent to a wheelchair-accessible taxi service under that licence and to charge fares in accordance with the wheelchair-accessible taxi tariffs.

(3)  The Commission may approve the application if the following conditions are met:

(a) the vehicle is suitable for use as a taxi and has a current inspection report;

(b) the vehicle complies with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 formulated under section 31(1) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 of the Commonwealth;

(c) any modifications to make the vehicle wheelchair-accessible do not significantly alter the original external appearance of the vehicle;

(d) the vehicle is fitted with a wheelchair restraint assembly that complies with AS 2942;

(e) any hoist or ramp fitted to the vehicle complies with AS 3856;

(f) the vehicle is fitted with a secondary, independent emergency-release mechanism on the wheelchair entry door that is clearly labelled with the words "EMERGENCY RELEASE" ;

(g) the vehicle has an access door adjacent to each outboard seating position;

(h) the vehicle has adequate luggage space to the rear of the rearmost seat when the vehicle is not configured to carry a passenger seated in a wheelchair.

(4)  The Commission is to revoke the authorisation referred to in subsection (2) if the Commission issues a wheelchair-accessible taxi licence in that taxi area.

(5)  The Commission is to revoke the authorisation referred to in subsection (2) if the vehicle ceases to meet the conditions referred to in subsection (3) .