Gladys Berejiklian Med Rel: Cheaper fares for taxi customers as new transport Act passes

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced taxis would become cheaper and easier for customers to access thanks to new transport reforms passed in Parliament today.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is committed to making sure taxis are reliable, accessible and affordable for customers.

“Under reforms passed today, we will halve the taxi surcharge on card payments from the typical 10 per cent to 5 per cent – a big win for customers,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“More people are choosing to pay by card and they shouldn’t be penalised. Today’s changes will put money back in taxi customers’ pockets, providing a $2.50 saving on a $50 fare.”
The Passenger Transport Act 2014 passed today also brings taxi booking apps into the regulatory framework for the first time, giving customers more booking options while prioritising customer safety.

“Under the updated legislation, customers will be able to choose from a range of booking methods including apps that connect them directly with a driver and allow them to track their taxi service on their smart phone,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We know apps can be a really useful tool for our customers when planning and booking their trip so we’ve updated the law to encourage more apps to be developed and used.

“All apps will now have to meet a full range of customer service, privacy and safety standards so customer safety remains number one.”
Ms Berejiklian said the old Passenger Transport Act from 1990 was complex, outdated and full of red tape – it didn’t even cover light rail as a recognised mode of transport.

“For the first time the new legislation recognises community transport, a crucial step for a sector that provides vital services for vulnerable people in the community,” she said.

“The new Act also provides more flexibility for the Government to provide transport services that best meet customer needs, and reduce red tape for transport operators.

“I am pleased these important reforms have passed through Parliament, and now the NSW Government can continue to get on with the job of delivering crucial improvements for public transport customers.”

The changes to taxi surcharges will come into effect before the end of 2014.