12 August – 18 Aug 2024
This week the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s Authorised Officers conducted a range of on-street compliance activities across the state.
In the week, Monday 12 Aug – Sunday 18 Aug, a total of 59 breaches and 11 Improvement Notices were identified by the team.
Targeted compliance operation – Greater Newcastle area
The team conducted a range of plain clothes compliance activities in the Greater Newcastle area focusing on fare-related offences during the week. 64 rideshare and taxi vehicles were inspected.
A total of 25 breaches were identified during the operations, including taxi drivers identified committing fare-related offences such as overcharging or not using the meter and ride share not displaying their retroreflective stickers.
Top offences identified
| Clause 75 standing otherwise than in a taxi zone | |
|---|---|
| Clause 20(2) Hire vehicles ensure retroreflective indicates is a hire vehicle | 16 |
| Clause 84 (c) Driver of vehicle must not, stop, stand or queue in taxi zone | 14 |
| Clause 28 (1) Taxi driver identity document to be displayed | 13 |
| Clause 28 (1) Taxi driver identity document to be displayed | 8 |
| Section 76(5) Fares Order | 4 |
| Improvement notices | |
| Clause 18(1) Approved security camera systems and safeguards - taxis in working order | 4 |
| Clause 12(1) Signs, lights and markings - taxis | 4 |
Industry guidance and education
Taxi drivers must display a driver identity document when providing rank and hail passenger services. Service providers or affiliated providers are responsible for making sure the taxi has a device installed in the vehicle to display the Driver ID. The drivers should also know who to contact if their Driver ID is lost or damaged.
Service providers should ensure drivers understand this obligation, our Driver ID Toolkit has a number of useful resources which can be shared.
Taxi drivers offering rank and hail services must use the meter. They also cannot refuse a fare if it is considered too short, negotiate a fare, or demand a fare other than the one displayed on the meter.
The fare displayed on the meter must not exceed that listed in the NSW Fare Order.
Service providers should ensure that drivers are provided information and training to ensure they understand their obligations.
Retroreflective signs are important for the safety of passengers, drivers and the public. All hire vehicles, including rideshare, must have a retroreflective sign displayed on or near the rear of the driver’s side of the vehicle when providing passenger services.
Service providers are responsible for ensuring drivers display a retroreflective sticker and comply with this safety standard when the vehicle is providing booked services. Our retroreflective toolkit has a range of resources that can be shared with drivers to further educate them on their obligations.