The Point to Point Transport Commissioner is to gain new powers to crackdown on taxi drivers who fail to use the meter and refuse fares at taxi ranks.
Announcing the changes, Minister for Transport, David Elliott said the new powers addressed an increase in complaints from passengers about taxi drivers attempting to negotiate fares with rather than turning on the meter while providing rank and hail services.
“The additional powers, under the newly amended point to point transport legislation, were necessary to enable the Commissioner’s Authorised Officers to undertake covert, plain clothes operations to target taxis drivers who were not abiding by the law,” Mr Elliott said.
“The Commissioner, the independent regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare vehicles in NSW, will be in a better position to enforce the legislation and fine those who are found to be deliberately flouting the rules and inconveniencing passengers,” he said.
“These new powers will enable the Point to Point Transport Commissioner to start undertaking covert operations in the lead up to the Christmas holiday season.”
Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said taxi drivers must use the taxi meter during a rank and hail trip.
Mr Wing said under no circumstance could a driver negotiate or demand a fare that was different to the metered fare (with the exception to tolls where applicable) or refuse a fare.
“I want to make sure taxi companies are dealing with their drivers who choose not to use the meter or refuse fares,” Mr Wing said.
“These powers will complement the visible presence of my compliance officers who will be at a number of major events in Sydney and throughout NSW to help deter drivers from this behaviour.”
