Victoria’s taxi industry is set for the biggest overhaul in its history, improving service for customers and working conditions for drivers, premier Denis Napthine and minister for public transport, Terry Mulder announced today.
Premier Napthine says the reforms will revive the industry and help restore public confidence in taxi services.
He adds the government is supporting the majority of the recommendations of the comprehensive taxi industry inquiry report.
Fundamental reforms include:
– providing better conditions and pay for taxi drivers with a guaranteed 55% of takings;
– requiring new drivers in the metropolitan and urban zones to pass an independent ‘knowledge exam’ before being accredited;
– providing better services for people with disability, through driver training and encouraging more accessible vehicles;
– creating a four-tier taxi zone system; and
– introducing new powers and functions for the taxi services commission to better regulate industry participants from July 1, 2013.
Minister for public transport Mulder says measures to improve the fare structure would improve affordability and help address issues such as cab shortages, long waiting times, short trip refusal and airport overcrowding.
Mulder says the reform package put the interests of customers first, and balanced the needs of drivers, operators and industry.
The Victorian government response to the taxi industry inquiry is available to download at www.taxi.vic.gov.au
Join the conversation