A discussion paper on proposed reforms to the ACT’s taxi services has been released by the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate for public comment.
The paper Further consultation on taxi licences and fares follows an evaluation of reforms introduced in 2015 which led to rideshare services such as Uber to operate legally in the Territory.
Minister for Business and Regulatory Services, Gordon Ramsay said the discussion paper explores such matters as the possibility of increasing or removing the cap on taxi licences, deregulating taxi fares and determining the annual increase of regulated taxi fares.
Mr Ramsay said the evaluation had looked at a range of issues including the quality of passengers’ experiences, safety and accessibility.
“The ACT Government is committed to making Canberra an accessible, inclusive city,” Mr Ramsay said.
“We need to have services readily available to meet the needs of our growing population and visitors from interstate and around the world.
He said the Government had already agreed to increasing the regulated cap on standard taxi licences from 358 to 500 and releasing 30 Government-issued taxi licences immediately.
He said a further 50 licences would be released by next March.
“Between 2011 and 2017 our population increased by 12 per cent to more than 410,000,” Mr Ramsay said.
“At the same time, the number of visitors to ACT grew 36 per cent, to more than 4,944,000.”
He said that increasing the supply of taxi licences would address longstanding issues with supply while also balancing consumer and industry outcomes.
“We will continue to examine the on-demand transport market to ensure greater consumer choice, service quality and accessibility in our growing city.
“The ACT Government welcomes industry stakeholders and all Canberrans who use taxis, hire cars or rideshare services to have their say as part of the consultation process.”
The 17-page discussion paper can be accessed at this PS News link and comments will be received until 20 November.
