“Fixed fares will set out an expectation about how much they can charge.”
Separate to the recommendations, negotiations are under way between the Sydney Airport Corporation and key taxi bodies on further solutions to address short-fare refusals at the airport.
One option is a system where drivers could queue in a new “shorter line” taxi hail queue specifically designated for passengers requiring short trips.
Once a driver has completed a trip, they would be able to return to the airport with guaranteed spot in the taxi rank waiting queue.
Another key IPART recommendation is an increase in urban rank and hail fares – a move that would see fares rise by about $2-$5 for all types of taxi trips, partly aimed at addressing inflation and taxi operating costs.
Loading
The regulator has also called for taxi drivers to provide detailed receipts to passengers with information such as plate numbers and driver IDs to “increase transparency” and “accountability”.
Transport for NSW will consider the proposals as part of its consideration into setting taxi sector fares applying from July 1 this year.
The regulator rejected several recommendations made to the inquiry including calls for fixed fares to be extended to other Sydney centres such as Parramatta, North Sydney, Sydney Olympic Park and Manly.
Transport Minister John Graham said the recommendations would be considered with the interests of passengers in mind.
“The majority of cab drivers do the right thing every time but being overcharged when landing in Sydney has become a too common experience for visitors to our city,” he said.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Read the full article here
