Big changes proposed for taxi fares in Victoria

The Andrews government is proposing major restrictions on taxi fares to avoid the farcical scenes where Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix passengers were ripped off.

The Andrews government is proposing major restrictions on taxi fares to avoid the farcical scenes where Australian Open and Australian Grand Prix passengers were ripped off.

Peopled at major events and out on busy nights have been hit with horror prices as some drivers demand they be paid upfront.

Legislation that deregulated the industry to allow for ridesharing in 2018 also allowed taxis to request these fares without any maximum limit and to refuse customers who would not pay them.

The situation was so bad that Victorian Taxi Association director Peter Valentine accused the government, at the time, of fuelling a culture of “greed” by allowing the move.

It’s hoped the restrictions will prevent a repeat of the Australian Open farce. Picture: Ian Currie

The government is now quietly looking to end the scourge.

It has started consultation about changes that would enforce the state’s maximum fare rules – set by the Essential Services Commission ever year – on trips hailed from the street or starting at a rank.

Another requirement would be that the meter is always on, which could end the prospect of flat fares being charged without this information.

Consultation is open to the entire community on the government’s Engage Victoria website – with specific questions for those working in the industry as a driver or operator.

There are plans to enforce the state’s maximum fare rules. Picture: Ian Currie

They have been asked whether the proposed changes would have a negative effect on the amount of customers they attract and their income.

Another key area of concern is whether the changes would influence how available taxi services were during peak periods such as weekends and during major sporting events.

“The proposed reforms aim to provide a consistent, predictable and fair cost for consumers hiring a taxi from the street or taxi rank, addressing some of the difficulties passengers experience around major events or late at night,” a government spokesman said.

“These proposed amendments mean that customers will pay no more than the taximeter fare when a taxi is hired from the street or taxi rank.”

Mr Valentine said he was thankful the government was looking at the matter after concerns were raised during the Australian Open and also the Australian Grand Prix.

“We are sitting with crossed fingers that they are working on something pretty quickly,” he said.

“To reintroduce the fact unbooked fares must be done with the taximeter, that removes the ambiguity from the passenger.”

“If you’ve got an unbooked fare, that’s what you get. It is set by the ESC.”

Mr Valentine said the government had recognised a “massive problem”, and he hoped it might be a step towards other rule changes.

Former Transport Matters Party MP Rod Barton said the biggest issue was enforcement, with a section of drivers not registered with providers and not following the rules.

“There are less than 10 enforcement officers for 80,000 to 90,000 cars,” he said. “This behaviour has become the norm.”