Dodgy behaviour from taxi drivers to be targeted in major industry overhaul

After taxi drivers were caught price gouging and leaving attendees stranded during the Australian Open, major reforms are set for the industry before the Commonwealth Games.

The Andrews government is in discussions about major regulatory changes which could see cab drivers forced to turn on their meters and accept all rides ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

The Andrews government is in discussions with the taxi industry about significant regulatory changes which could see cab drivers forced to turn on their meters and accept all rides.

The Herald Sun can also reveal that 13 cabs has proposed big changes to the way that taxis are hailed from Melbourne Airport in the lead up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in regional Victoria.

The Herald Sun has obtained a document detailing 13 cabs’ proposal for a dedicated taxi rank zone outside the Qantas terminal, which is part of a broader crackdown on dodgy driver behaviour.

The industry is desperately hoping to avoid similar scenes from this year’s Australian Open where greedy drivers were caught blatantly price gouging and leaving tournament visitors stranded with no way to get home.

13 cabs has proposed changes to the way that taxis are hailed from Melbourne Airport in the lead up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Ian Currie

The vision, which 13 cabs says would be the first of its kind in Victoria, has been pitched to the Andrews government and Melbourne Airport.

While it could be used by cabs from different companies, 13 cabs would staff a concierge desk and have a marshal employed to ensure an orderly system that also protected passengers from being ripped off.

A short fare rank specifically designed to combat drivers from refusing to accept smaller trips would be included.

13 cabs head of public affairs David Samuel said this was an important change to avoid a resurgence in the “old issue of drivers picking and choosing fares because they’re not far enough”.

“We recognise that the Australian Open didn’t run smoothly from a transport perspective, and we need to safeguard that from happening again,” he said.

“All the stakeholders – Melbourne Airport, the government and the industry – have to come together and work together to find a solution so that people are looked after, particularly our international visitors.

The Andrews government is hoping to improve taxi services after major issues at the Australian Open.

“This is a really good way of trying to safeguard against any issues that might emerge before or during the Commonwealth Games and making sure we have got a handle on it.

“We’d like to see it up and running as soon as possible because passengers more generally will benefit from this.”

The company has also drafted plans to offer specialised shuttle services for Paralympians and disabled spectators who require accessible transport from the airport out to the regions, as well as to and from the Games’ arenas.

A Melbourne Airport spokesman said it was always open to ideas that could help improve passenger experience.

“Our current focus is working with taxi operators and Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria to address the recent increase in touting and poor behaviour by a small number of drivers,” he said.