Prepaid taxi fares expanded in the Territory to stamp out fare evasion and provide more protections

Prepaid taxi fare arrangements are being expanded with the Finocchiaro Government saying it will help to stamp out fare evasion and provide more protections and certainty to taxi drivers.

Darwin prepaid taxi fares are to be expanded

Prepaid taxi fare arrangements are being expanded with the Finocchiaro Government saying it will help to stamp out fare evasion and provide more protections and certainty to taxi drivers.

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said prepaid taxi fares previously applicable on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm and 5am can now be requested by drivers at their discretion daily between 7pm and 7am.

Exemptions include Airport pick-ups and passengers who are members of the Transport Subsidy Scheme.

Mr Yan said the new measures will improve safety and reduce fare evasion for the taxi industry.

“This move by the CLP puts responsibility back on passengers to pay before a journey begins just like other public transport,” he said.

“And drivers are well within their means to refuse transport to someone who isn’t prepared to prepay.

NT Treasurer Bill Yan said new prepaid taxi fare measures will improve safety and reduce fare evasion for the taxi industry. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“These new measures will see the NT more closely aligned with industry expectations of other states and territories relating to prepaid taxi arrangements”

Before a trip begins, the taxi driver will estimate how much the fare will cost at the start of the trip using a prescribed fee under the Schedule of Estimated Prepaid Fares for a Taxi Trip.

The Schedule will be available in NT taxis and is based on five kilometre distance lots.

The prepaid fare estimators are also available online.

Final adjustment of the fare is based on the metered amount and any authorised additional charges.

Minister Yan called on passengers to do the right thing when catching taxis.

“Taxi drivers are there to get you to your destination efficiently and safely and these changes are designed to improve the industry and safety standards,” he said.

Tanvir, who has been driving taxis for around three years said he supported the move.

“For me, personally I think it’s a great idea,” he said.