Point to Point Transport Commissioner investigating allegations of ‘rogue taxi drivers’ charging higher fares to unsuspecting tourists

A “group of rogue taxi drivers” are allegedly teaming up with reception staff from some of Sydney’s most lavish hotels to fleece unsuspecting tourists out of up to $30 per ride. See the claims.

A group of alleged rogue taxi drivers are working with hotel reception staff to charge higher fees to unsuspecting customers. Photo Blainey Woodham / Tweed Daily New

A “group of rogue taxi drivers” are allegedly teaming up with reception staff from some of Sydney’s most luxurious hotels to fleece unsuspecting tourists out of up to $30 per ride.

A Sydney taxi driver, James*, has submitted a complaint to the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner against several “corrupt taxi drivers”, allegedly inflating fares and striking deals with hotel staff.

The cabbie said the tactics not only “jeopardises” the livelihoods of “honest, law-abiding taxi drivers” but also the reputation of Sydney’s biggest hotels.

“A group of rogue taxi drivers have [allegedly] established an illicit network that involves bribing hotel reception staff to steer unsuspecting tourists and customers toward their services,” James said.

In exchange for these referrals, he told the commission the rogue cabbies allegedly provide “kickbacks” to hotel staff, often in the range of “$10 to $30 per ride” – which depends on whether it’s a standard or maxi taxi.

James claims ‘RF’ stands for “reception fees”.

Telegram messages between the rogue taxi drivers.

Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing said he takes “all complaints about possible breaches to the point to point transport law seriously”.

“My Compliance team is currently investigating the issues raised and talking to drivers and those concerned to obtain further information and evidence to support their investigation,” he said.

James said the scheme starts when reception staff allegedly call the drivers to alert them of a job, and if one of the cabbies is unavailable, they post the job in a Telegram Messenger group and reference the “reception fee” by writing “RF” at the bottom of the message.

It will include the price of the fare and the reception fee such as “$90/10”.

One of the allege rogue drivers told other cabbies who couldn’t pay ‘reception fees’ to delete themselves from the group.

Staff at several of Sydney’s five-star hotels were included in the complaint to the commission.

Despite the government increasing fines of up to $1000 for cabbies who set fixed fees and don’t turn their meters on, James told the commission these rogue drivers are setting fixed prices before customers even set foot in the taxi.

A message from one of the alleged rogue taxi drivers read: “If you Can’t Pay Reception Fee please don’t bid”.

Further Telegram messages

from some of the alleged “rogue drivers”.

He continued: “Nothing is Free here”

“Or Give us a Favour DELETE Yourself Don’t Waste Our Time please”.

A Point to Point spokeswoman said drivers “must use the meter and cannot demand a fare higher”.

She said concerned riders “should raise this directly with the taxi company”.

*James is a pseudonym.