The typical taxi surcharge on card payments will be halved from 10% to 5% in time for the busy December holiday season.
Currently, taxi customers are charged a surcharge when they pay their fare with a credit or debit card. This money goes to the provider of the taxi’s electronic payment system.
A new Passenger Transport Bill passed through Parliament last month, paving the way for a reduced 5% cap on taxi surcharges.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the changes will begin on 12 December 2014.
“We know that people don’t always carry cash on them and it’s not fair that those who choose to pay with plastic have to pay more,” Ms Berejiklian said.
She added, “The NSW Government has listened to customer concerns about this excessive taxi surcharge and taken action, typically saving customers around $2.50 on a $50 taxi fare”.
Customers will be able to make the most of the expected savings over the busy Christmas period.