The convenience of hailing a taxi and being whisked away to your destination is a modern luxury that many of us rely on. However, for Victorians, this convenience has been marred by a troubling trend of rogue taxi drivers exploiting passengers amidst a national industry crisis.
The taxi industry has been grappling with the rise of ridesharing services, leading to a reconfiguration of laws across various states. In Victoria, the situation has become concerning.
Since 2017, laws have allowed independent drivers to operate without being affiliated with a network, leading to a surge in illegal practices such as overcharging and refusal to use meters.
13Cabs has joined the Victorian Taxi Association in calling out the state’s laws for enabling this misconduct. The lack of stringent regulations for independent drivers means that those expelled from companies for poor service can continue to operate, often repeating the same unacceptable behaviours.
For passengers, the process of lodging a complaint against an independent taxi driver is daunting. Without a direct complaints department or even a business name to reference, customers must gather driver details and report to Safe Transport Victoria. However, with reports of only three officers policing over 110,000 taxi and rideshare drivers, the effectiveness of this is in question.
The issue came to a head at Melbourne’s Flinders Street station, where police intervention was required to force uncooperative cab drivers to turn on their meters. This incident has sparked calls for a crackdown on independent drivers.
The Victorian Taxi Association has also highlighted a concerning trend where taxi drivers, aware of customers turning to taxis during Uber’s surge pricing periods, demand higher fares to replicate the surge benefit for themselves. This predatory behavior was exemplified by the experience of Cam Watts, who was refused a short trip by 16 taxis, and Jenny Benson, an 83-year-old who was overcharged $37 for a one-kilometre trip.
David Samuel, head of public affairs at 13Cabs, calls for better monitoring of independent drivers’ compliance and stricter rules, stating, ‘Other states aren’t anywhere near as bad as Victoria when it comes to independent taxis.’
In contrast, New South Wales has taken steps to address similar issues by increasing fines for overcharging or meter refusal and implementing a ‘two strikes and you’re out’ law. The NSW Taxi Council is advocating for the reinstatement of a centralised register of accredited drivers to better track driver behavior and disciplinary action.
For readers, it’s crucial to be informed and assertive when using taxi services. Always insist on the meter being turned on, and if you encounter any issues, note the driver’s details and report them to Safe Transport Victoria. If you’re overcharged, demand a receipt and follow up with a complaint. Remember, you have the right to fair and honest service.
We invite you to share your experiences with taxis in the comments below. Have you encountered rogue drivers? How did you handle the situation? Let us know!
Also read: Our public transport shortcomings
