25 November – 1 December 2024
In the lead up to the busiest time of the year, the Commissioner’s Authorised Officers (AO’s) continue to focus on compliance across NSW, ensuring drivers are focused on safety and fair fares, especially as NSW experiences increased traffic, an influx of tourists and more people out celebrating the holiday season.
This week AOs also saw an increase in taxi drivers being caught for fare-related offences, such as not using the meter, overcharging or refusing a fare. These drivers now face a $1000 fine.
Taxi service providers should remind drivers that as of today, 6 December, any driver who is convicted on two separate occasions for a fare-related offence will be disqualified from driving a taxi, rideshare or any point to point transport vehicle.
See the Minister’s recent media release and our news article on this matter.
New disqualifying offences for taxi drivers | Point to Point
It’s two strikes and you’re out for rogue taxi drivers | NSW Government
This week we also published a summary of some key matters recently in the Courts.
In the Courts I Point to Point
Taxi meter blitz - summary
The Commissioner’s Authorised Officers ran blitz on taxi meters from 28 October to 3 November. The compliance blitz was conducted across the state to crack down on some drivers intentionally hiding the meter from passengers, sometimes behind objects such as water bottles or tissue boxes. Taxi operators were also targeted as a part of the blitz to make sure they are ensuring meters in their taxis are visible to all passengers.
A total of 503 taxis were inspected over the week long blitz. 28 vehicles were found to be non-compliant, with several drivers being issued fines, and service providers being issued improvement notices.
Please see our media release from 1 November on the blitz.
Point to Point Transport Commissioner targeting rogue drivers covering taxi meters
Across the week 25 November – 1 December:
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48 breaches were identified
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17 Improvement Notices were issued
Joker Xue concert - Sydney Olympic Park
On Saturday 1 December, fans attended the Joker Xue Extraterrestrial World Tour at Sydney Olympic Park.
Whilst the precinct was busy, there were no traffic issues as many patrons travelled by public transport, and the ones who travelled by car were coming in at staggered times.
Point to Point Transport Commission Authorised Officers (AOs) monitored key areas to ensure drivers were accepting passengers.
Over the day, 21 taxis and 52 rideshare vehicles were inspected by AO’s.
In total, 7 breaches were identified.
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4 fines were issued to rideshare drivers for failing to display their retroreflective sign
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1 fine was issued to a driver for failing to produce their licence when requested
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1 fine was issued for touting and soliciting a passenger
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1 fine was issued for failing to start the meter
Ballina/Byron Bay Schoolies 2024
Schoolies continued into its second week in Byron Bay this week. Close to 10,000 patrons visited the area over the 2-week schoolies period.
Over the weekend 29 Nov – 1 Dec 44 point to point transport vehicles were inspected by AOs.
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3 fines were issued to drivers for failing to display their retroreflective signs
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2 fines were issued to a driver for picking up a passenger in a non-designated area at the airport
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1 fine was issued to a rideshare driver for stopping in a taxi zone
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1 fine was issued to a rideshare driver for picking up a passenger before a booking was made
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1 unauthorised service provider was identified in Byron Bay.
Weekly wrap up
Top offences identified
| Driver related offence | |
| Section 76(5) Fares order | 14 |
| Clause 20(2) Hire vehicles ensure retroreflective indicates is a hire vehicle. | 13 |
| Clause 81(1) (b) Taxi driver must start fare calculating device on hiring | 5 |
| Clause 28(1) Taxi driver identity document to be displayed. | 4 |
| Improvement notices | |
| Clause 14(2) Not contravene fare calculation devices - taxis fares and figures must be clearly visible | 9 |
| Clause 9 Vehicle maintenance (worn tyres, broke headlights) | 6 |
| Clause 18(1) Approved security camera systems and safeguards - taxis in working order | 2 |