A Melbourne bartender has spoken out after a heated late-night confrontation with a taxi driver who allegedly refused to use the meter, reigniting debate about rogue practices in the city’s taxi industry.
Zane, 27, was trying to get home from work in Melbourne’s south-east last year when his trip descended into an argument with a driver affiliated with 13cabs.
Footage of the encounter aired by news.com.au shows the driver demanding a negotiated fare and repeatedly stating he would not activate the meter before abandoning the ride.
Zane said the incident followed an earlier dispute in which the same driver allegedly demanded $40 for a short, five-kilometre journey. He claimed tensions escalated over time, with bookings accepted and then cancelled, leaving him stranded.
The hospitality worker admitted emotions ran high during the filmed exchange but said his frustration stemmed from what he described as predatory behaviour.
A spokesperson for 13cabs told news.com.au that any refusal to use a meter was taken seriously and could result in suspension, stressing that metered fares were a core consumer protection. The company added it was urging governments to ban payment terminals that bypass meters, noting that only South Australia has so far acted.
Under the law in Victoria, taxi drivers must use the meter for all unbooked trips, whether hailed on the street or picked up from a rank.
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