The Minns Labor Government is tripling fines for taxi drivers who overcharge or refuse fares, raising the penalty for a first offence from $1,000 to $3,000 in a bid to lift customer service standards across the industry.
Transport Minister John Graham said the higher penalties “should serve as a big flashing light to any taxi driver doing the wrong thing” and reiterated that most drivers are honest and professional.
“Whether you are at the cab rank at Sydney Airport, hailing a taxi in the city or booking one from home, it should be a smooth, friendly and good value experience.”
Passengers now have the right to a fair fare every time, and those with assistance animals must never be refused a ride, the government said.
Last month, a $60 flat rate fare from Sydney Airport to the CBD was introduced to prevent rip-offs, particularly for foreign and interstate visitors. Similar flat fare schemes have been used in other major cities, including New York’s JFK Airport.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison added that taxis are vital in regional areas, providing essential access to medical appointments and services.
“Every passenger deserves a fair fare, every time. We will not tolerate rogue drivers exploiting passengers in any part of NSW.”
Since the launch of the Taxi Fare Hotline in November 2022, the Point to Point Commissioner has issued more than 1,100 fines to taxi drivers.
A recent prosecution saw a driver fined $2,000 for charging an overseas family $188 for a 13-kilometre trip from the airport to a CBD hotel without using the meter. In recent months, drivers have also been banned or fined up to $12,000 for offences including overcharging and offensive behaviour.
The NSW Point to Point Commission is working with the NSW Taxi Council to strengthen the system and stop rogue drivers moving between companies.
Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:
“I take fare-related offences seriously – all passengers travelling in a taxi should feel confident they are getting a fair fare. Most of the industry is doing a great job, but rogue drivers will face the full force of the law.”
NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahim welcomed the tougher penalties, calling them “another tough measure against drivers who choose to do the wrong thing by the passenger” and part of the council’s Four Point Plan to protect the reputation of honest cabbies.
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