New South Wales,
Australia — Minister for Transport Services
Michael Costa today announced the next stage of reforms
for the State's taxi industry to improve customer service
and promote competition.
This follows a four-month review of
the taxi industry undertaken by Mr Allan Cook.
The Government's response to the
review addresses minimum safety and service standards,
training, driver availability, and decreased regulation
of some aspects of the industry.
The reforms will include the
development of premium taxi services and the immediate
conclusion of the 'no destination' bookings trial.
Choice of dispatch system will be a
matter for individual networks as the recent trial has
shown there are a range of views on this initiative, and
it should not be Government's role to mandate any
particular dispatch system.
"Sydney is Australia's biggest taxi
market with an estimated 1.6 million passenger journeys
every week," Mr Costa said.
"While taxi drivers are working
hard the industry hasn't been delivering the service
customers expect.
"This is because the taxi industry
is fragmented and no one group - drivers, operators or
networks - has been directly responsible for delivering
services to its customers.
"It's time the taxi industry took
responsibility for running its business and the
Government concentrated on the basics - passenger safety,
vehicle standards and driver competence.
"That's why the NSW Government will
set minimum standards for safety and reliability and
remove those constraints which over the years have
stifled competition and innovation.
"That's why we will allow the
operation of innovative, customer-focussed small networks
- previously operating as 'trunk radio groups'.
"And that's why we will allow the
establishment of 'luxury' services operated by drivers of
five years standing with no complaints recorded, driving
a premium vehicle."
The Government's priorities for
taxi reform include:
- Allowing individual businesses
to decide on whether to introduce a 'no destinations'
booking system;
- Reform of dispatch and network
operations to increase competition and service
innovation;
- Development of premium taxi
services, operating at the standard kilometre rate
with the booking fee determined by the market and not
by regulation; and
- Reforming driver training to
improve standards and remove impediments to new
drivers entering the industry.
The report indicates 'nexus plates'
are no longer serving their original purpose of
subsidising wheelchair accessible taxis (WAT) and the
issue will be referred to the Auditor General for advice.
The rules covering the issue and
operation of 'nexus plates' have changed over time. This
is a complex matter with significant financial, taxation
and legal implications.
Mr Costa also announced the
establishment of a Taxi Taskforce to oversee the reform
process.
The Taskforce will be chaired by
the Ministry of Transport and include the Taxi Council,
the Country Operators Association, Transport Workers
Union (representing the industrial interests of taxi
drivers), a working taxi driver, the Chamber of Commerce,
and Mr Cook.
Mr Cook will also chair two
important working parties, one dealing with trunk network
issues and the other examining reforms to driver
workplace arrangements.
"While the Taxi Taskforce has more
work ahead of it, these changes are a solid start to the
improvements outlined in Mr Cook's report and I am
pleased he will be continuing to contribute to the reform
process," Mr Costa said.
The Taskforce will examine a number
of issues, including training and occupational health and
safety, traffic management in business districts, and
WATs.
"I remain concerned about
the availability of wheelchair accessible taxis," Mr
Costa said.
"In the long term I see merit in
universal wheelchair accessibility across the taxi
fleet, but short term measures need to be introduced
to encourage drivers to undertake this work."
The WAT Taskforce interim report
provides the basis for a number of reforms,
including:
- A two-year trial of a 'set
down' fee for WAT drivers undertaking wheelchair work,
funded by the Government and commencing July 2005;
and
- Revamp of the incentive scheme
for conversion of taxis or purchase of WAT vehicles.
