Sydney taxis under spotlight over political signs

A Sydneysider who sent an official complaint to a cab company about a political sign displayed in a taxi window was shocked by the reply he received. Read the response.

A Sydney taxi company has been accused of engaging in politics after its cabs displayed pro-Palestinian slogans on its windows – and then told a complaining customer that it was “taking a stand against illegal occupation”.

Jewish groups say they have had other complaints about taxis displaying politically contentious slogans and flags – and they were aware of “uncomfortable” passengers refusing to get in.

On Friday evening a Tuk Tuk cab – headquartered in Bankstown in Sydney’s south-west – was photographed driving through the city’s eastern suburbs with the words “Stand Up For Palestine” printed across the back window.

A Jewish man, who asked not to be named, queried the sign with the company, sending a photograph and asked why it was “allowing political agendas to be displayed on a public service taxi?”

“It doesn’t matter what side you stand on, it’s disgusting, extremely unprofessional and should not be tolerated in Australia,” he wrote.

Taxis with pro-Palestine messages have been accused of being political and making some passengers uncomfortable. Source: Twitter.

In response, the company replied to him: “When you can stand with Ukraine (illegal occupation) we can stand against illegal occupation and support Palestine which is being supported by United Nations”.

The resident said he couldn’t believe the official response.

Tuk Tuk taxi company has been accused of "inserting politics into cabs" after it responded to a customer complaint about pro Palestinian signs, by saying "we can stand against illegal occupation and support Palestine".

“I was shocked,” he said. “For a taxi company to respond like that is abnormal.

“I don’t care what side you stand for but you shouldn’t be taking sides by advertising it on your taxi. I don’t know if it’s legal but it’s certainly not moral.”

Australian Jewish Association executive officer Robert Gregory called on taxi companies to refrain from politicising their services and described the customer service by the company was “disgraceful”.

Taxis with pro-Palestine messages have been accused of being political and making some passengers uncomfortable. Source: Facebook

He said when people catch cabs they “don’t expect to be confronted with the driver’s politics”.

“We are aware of passengers who have refused taxis displaying political slogans when they have arrived.

“One passenger landed at the airport, lined up for a taxi and was directed to one displaying such a sign which they refused.

“Many elderly people including some holocaust survivors rely on taxis for transport.

“We know both Jews and non-Jews who feel uncomfortable with taxi drivers thrusting the Middle East conflict on their passengers.

“With Uber and other rideshare apps, passengers at least have the option to leave a negative review.

“If a taxi company wants to engage in politics or treat passengers rudely, other drivers and the NSW Taxi Council should be concerned because passengers will stop taking taxis.”

Palestinian flags being flown from Sydney cars. Picture: Damian Shaw

NSW Taxi Council chief executive Nick Abrahim said he was aware some taxis had been seen displaying flags and messages over the conflict, but this did not break regulations.

“There is nothing in the regulations that prevents a taxi from advertising or displaying a flag – but there are laws in place to ensure nobody is encouraging violence or hatred,” he said.

“We are monitoring the situation. In these situations we are very sensitive to what’s going on around the world.

“The taxi industry is a professional industry and it’s important for drivers and owners to act professionally at all times.”

Tuk Tuk has been contacted for comment.