NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said the reforms were aimed at ensuring taxis remained safe, reliable and affordable for customers.
The government’s 3 point plan to improve taxi services includes;
-Halving the typical surcharge on card fare payments by capping it at 5 per cent – saving customers $2.50 on a $50 fare;
-Regulating and encouraging the creation and use of innovative mobile taxi booking apps to improve and modernise the customer experience; and,
-Enhancing enforcement of vehicle safety and maintenance.
Mr O’Farrell also spoke of his concern about unfair fees being charged to customers using credit cards to pay for their journeys.
“Customers shouldn’t be unfairly penalised with excessive surcharges when it’s hard enough already for people to make ends meet.” he said.
“Customers told us they wanted changes and we have delivered – including the introduction of more peak licences and a peak surcharge to encourage more taxis on the road when people need them most on a Friday and Saturday night,” Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said.
The government have also introduced pre-paid fares and improved security at two secure taxi ranks in Kings Cross to help improve customer safety. They have also adjusted changeover times on all new taxi licences, to ensure increased availability during the traditional 3am changeover period.
