Victoria Minister for Public Transport Terry Mulder

Crackdown On Rogue Taxi Drivers

Victor P Taffa

Commercial passenger vehicle drivers will face greater scrutiny as a result of a new agreement between the Department of Transport’s Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) and Victoria Police.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said the new initiative would further boost safety of the travelling public by ensuring the suitability of drivers of commercial passenger vehicles, which include taxis, buses, hire cars and special purpose vehicles.

“The Coalition Government treats the safety of travelling public as a top priority and this joint initiative between the VTD and the Victoria Police will put a further scrutiny on those who drive our commercial passenger vehicles.” Mr. Mulder said.

“While all drivers must undergo a Police record check before they become accredited, all drivers will now be subject to continuous checking for criminal offences.”

“The new criminal data matching initiative will ensure that the VTD is made aware of any charges and/or convictions laid against an accredited person, allowing appropriate action to be taken.”

Mr. Mulder said a checking system had always been in place with drivers’ criminal records checked on issue. In addition, the VTD conducted investigations whenever there were concerns a driver may not be fit to continue to be accredited.

“Ongoing weekly data-matching will provide the VTD with the identity of all accredited drivers who have been charged or found guilty of any criminal offence within the past eight days.”

“This change will automate the existing manual system.” Mr. Mulder said.

“It will mean these divers will be caught.”

“The VTD will continue to monitor the suitability of commercial passenger vehicle drivers and those found to have committed serious offences will be taken off the road.” Mr. Mulder said.

So far,

• 84 drivers have been caught.
• 6 found with category 1 offences
• 8 have had their accreditation taken off them and are off the road.
• 29 drivers have to prove why they should keep their accreditation.
• Action will be taken against all drivers found guilty of serious offences.

Category one – includes the most serious offences, including paedophilia, rape, threat to kill, murder, child pornography, culpable driving causing death. People caught with category one offences (either charged or convicted) have their accreditation immediately suspended or cancelled.

Category two – includes manslaughter, aggravated burglary, indecent assault, kidnapping. Can be suspended immediately.

Category three – includes dangerous driving, criminal damage, driving while suspended. Can be suspended immediately.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Simon O’Brien

Transport Minister Announces Taxi Industry Review

Victor P Taffa

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien has announced four levels of action in the State’s Taxi Industry to address a spike in passenger complaints to the Department of Transport (DoT).

Complaints so far this year total 484, compared to 419 for all of 2009.

“What is concerning is the severe nature of these complaints, ranging from alleged fare gouging and meter tampering to displays of verbal abuse towards some Passengers and inappropriate behaviour by male drivers to female passengers.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“While I firmly believe the number of serious complaints about driver behaviour is restricted to a small minority of taxi drivers, I have acted to protect the public interest as well as the reputation of the Industry.”

“Firstly, I have asked the Taxi Industry Board to immediately review Taxi Driver training to ensure appropriate standards are being prescribed and encouraged.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“I have asked the department to investigate the introduction of a probationary system for new drivers.  If a taxi driver who is a newcomer to the industry is subjected to a period of probation – in the same manner as a person qualifying for their motor driver’s licence – then there will be a greater incentive for that taxi driver to ensure their conduct is beyond reproach.”

“Another area of concern is the alleged tampering of fare meters to dupe passengers into paying inflated fares.  While I am assured this kind of tampering is not possible, I have asked the department to have this verified by independent, expert advice.”

“Finally, I have asked the department to maintain its program of increased random on-the-spot checks of drivers, which is a very proactive means of addressing driver behaviour and making sure drivers are complying with regulations.” Mr. O’Brien said.

So far this year, DoT compliance officers have made 4,651 random inspections of Taxis. This compares with 3,166 compliance checks in 2009 and 717 in 2008.

Editor Victor P Taffa has been a Taxi Driver in Sydney previously. There are simply many Poor Taxi Drivers on the Road that gives the Industry a bad name. This problem appears to be widespread across Australia.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Simon O’Brien

New Taxi Plates Rolled Out to Help Maintain Service Levels

Victor P Taffa

Perth Commuters will benefit from a move to release 68 Additional Taxi Lease Plates.

The State Government has responded to an increase in demand for Taxis during Peak Hours and in the Outer Suburbs by announcing that an Extra 40 Peak Period Plates and 28 Restricted Area Plates would be introduced on to Metropolitan Streets.

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said the move followed the release of 56 Unallocated Taxi Lease Plates earlier this year to meet the demand for Taxis during peak periods, which had significantly increased during the Past Two Years.

“Since 2008 demand for Taxis in the Metropolitan Area has increased by more than 8%.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“The improving economic climate during the past year, coupled with the strong growth in Perth’s Population, has put pressure on the existing Fleet of Taxis.”

“All indications are that Perth will continue to grow faster in percentage terms than any other Australian capital city so it is imperative we put these extra taxis on to the roads.” Mr. O’Brien said.

Restricted area plates require those taxis to be hired within a ‘defined’ area.  They are required to pick up within that area but they can go to any destination the customer wishes.

Peak Period Plates are restricted to operating at peak times as defined by their conditions (usually Friday/Saturday nights, Christmas, New Year) and at any amended times as notified by the Department of Transport.

This will be the first release of new Peak Period Plates since late 2007.

The Minister said the Outer Metropolitan Areas of Perth had experienced Strong Population growth, leading to much higher demand for taxis.

“During peak periods this demand has gone up by 13 % in the Outer Metropolitan Areas, so clearly these Extra Plates are going to have an effect.” the Minister said.

“The release of the new plates will be staged with the restricted area plates being put out at a Maximum of Five a Month and the Peak Period Lease Plates at a Maximum of Eight a Month.”

“Unlike Previous Releases by the former Labor Government, this Government is taking a considered and careful approach to the release of Plates to ensure viability of the Taxi Industry is maintained while at the same time the public demand for Taxis is met.” Mr. O’ Brien said.

The Taxi Plates will be made available by the Department through an expression of interest process which will start in the coming weeks.

Editor Victor P Taffa has been a Sydney Taxi Driver and has seen on many occasions when Transport Minister’s ‘Flood’ the Market with New Taxi Plates. This announcement by Mr. O’Brien is a responsible measure that will ensure Financial Security and Viability for existing Taxi Drivers.

Western Australia Minister for Transport & Disability Services Simon O’Brien

Improved taxi services for Perth’s wheelchair taxi customers

Victor P Taffa

From today, eligible people living with disabilities will be able to enjoy greater access and more reliable taxi services following the introduction of three new Multi Purpose Taxi (MPT) initiatives.

Western Australia Minister for Transport Simon O’Brien said that as Minister for Transport and Disability Services he had long been concerned about the need to enhance taxi services for people with a disability. 

“The State Government is committed to improving access to taxi services for people living with a disability, particularly those in wheelchairs who are dependent on taxis as their main mode of transport.” Mr O’Brien said.

“I am therefore pleased to announce a new suite of measures aimed at assisting eligible people with a disability, particularly those in wheelchairs, who frequently use MPTs.”

The new initiatives deliver:

• A 12-month extension for the ‘standby taxi’ system to ensure that all wheelchair taxi requests can be met in a timely and reliable manner. The new system will be operated by Black & White Taxis and Swan Taxis between 8am and 6pm;

• A 12-month trial of an increased night time lifting incentive of $20 for MPT operators to provide a wheelchair service between 6pm and 8am when the job is booked through a taxi dispatch system;

• An increase in the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) cap on the level of subsidy from $25 to $35 for trips undertaken by 75 % eligible TUSS members travelling in wheelchairs, or with a scooter, in a MPT or wheelchair accessible country taxi.

“I strongly support these initiatives as they will allow for wheelchair jobs to be covered more efficiently and effectively.” the Minister said.

“The implementation of the standby vehicle will create a greater equality of taxi services for people with disabilities in terms of timeliness and reliability.”

Mr O’Brien also said by doubling the night time lifting incentive from $10 to $20, MPT operators would be encouraged to give priority to wheelchair jobs allocated by taxi dispatch services.

“The night time lifting incentive should provide improved service for eligible wheelchair-bound passengers, who travel out of office hours.” Mr. O’Brien said.

The Minister said the new TUSS cap increase should ensure longer journeys are more economical for wheelchair taxi users.

“This is the first time the TUSS cap has been increased since the scheme’s inception in 1988.” the Minister said.

“This Government has recognised the need for a better subsidy rate due to the growing number of trips exceeding the present cap.”

The implementation of the standby vehicle service and the $20 night time lifting incentive totalling $225,000 will be funded by the State Government through the Taxi Industry Development Account (TIDA), while the Department of Transport will provide funding for the increased TUSS cap.

The announced changes will be introduced from April 28.

For more information on the MPT and TUSS initiatives and subsidies visit

http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/taxis or call 9218 3606

Editor Victor P Taffa has previously driven a Taxi-Cab in Sydney and from experience many Sydney Taxi drivers have sadly mistaken guide dogs and have refused to take vision impaired passengers. This announcement by Mr. O’ Brien is welcomed as the increase in financial incentives will go some way to assist disabled passengers. Perhaps the New South Wales Minister for Transport & Infrastructure could also take onboard Mr. O’ Brien’s measures.

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Elizabeth Constable

WA’s favourite cabbie to drive State’s extraordinary tourism experiences

Victor P Taffa

Bunbury’s Doug Slater has been named Western Australia’s favourite cabbie after thousands of online voters from around the world chose him to drive the Extraordinary Taxi Ride – the first campaign to be launched under the State’s new tourism brand: Experience Extraordinary.

At Perth’s extraordinary Cottesloe Beach today, Tourism Minister Liz Constable announced that Mr Slater had out-polled the four other finalists – receiving nearly 45 % of the votes – to be named WA’s most extraordinary taxi driver.

“Doug Slater will be the star of the Extraordinary Taxi Ride as he takes his passengers on a 6,500km journey throughout the State to see WA’s extraordinary places, people and events.” Dr. Constable said

“Even though the campaign was only launched last month, it has already received global media coverage and significant interest from people around the world.

“The website – http://www.theextraordinarytaxiride.com.au - has received nearly 60,000 visitors who have spent more than 4,000 hours on the site.”

“This campaign, the first to be launched under the State’s new tourism brand, Experience Extraordinary, has also been strongly supported by the tourism industry and local WA businesses.”

The competition to select the driver for the Extraordinary Taxi Ride received 460 entries from cabbies across WA and the field was narrowed down to just five finalists:

• Peter Bughiu,

• Harry Huggins,

• Judy Jones,

• Doug Slater,

• Stevan Vukmirovic.

“After weeks of promotions and hard work by all the shortlisted cabbies, thousands of web-users cast their votes and Mr Slater came out at number one to lead the nine-week, 11-leg journey.” the Minister said.

“An international competition is now under way to find 22 passengers to join Mr Slater on the journey of a lifetime starting in April.”

Those who wish to enter the competition to become a passenger or help plan the journey can become involved by visiting:

http://www.theextraordinarytaxiride.com.au

Western Australia Minister for Transport Simon O’ Brien

Unallocated taxi plates rolled out as WA enters new era of economic growth

Victor P Taffa

Western Australians will benefit from the release of 56 unallocated taxi lease plates over the next 12 months and the continuation of peak period operating hours for taxis.

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien said these measures came as the State headed towards a new period of sustained economic growth.

“With a number of major infrastructure projects scheduled to start soon and with economic growth forecast, it is expected there will be an increased demand for taxi services.” Mr O’Brien said.

“With a significant lead time for taxi plates to be advertised, applications assessed and then new taxis to actually get on the road, it is important we get moving now.”

“We need to be ahead of the curve on this, not in a position where we are playing catch up.”

“The last period of economic growth saw, at its peak, five % of all taxi call-outs not being covered due to shortages.” Mr. O’ Brien said.

“We are working towards ensuring that this situation is not repeated.”

Fifty-six taxi plates will be made available from the Department of Transport on a lease basis through an expression of interest process.

The 56 taxi lease plates comprise 32 that were surrendered by previous lessees and 24 which were approved by the previous Labor Government but never released.

“We currently face the untenable situation whereby the size of Perth’s taxi fleet is actually declining while the city’s population is increasing rapidly.” the Minister said.

“The State Government is mindful of the viability of the taxi industry. As such, these plates will be released on a staggered basis resulting in small monthly release of taxi plates into the market.”

Mr O’Brien said the Taxi Industry Board was currently considering in what form taxi plates should be released into the future.

Meanwhile the peak period taxi trial which was initiated in 2008 to meet the early morning weekday demand for taxis would remain in place throughout 2010.

The Minister had taken advice from the Taxi Industry Board and resolved that peak period taxis would continue to play an important role in meeting the demand generated from the hotel industry and fly-in/fly-out workers travelling to Perth Airport. This initiative, and demand in the industry, would be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Taxi Industry Board.