Weekly Wrap: on-street compliance

21 – 27 October 2024 

The Commissioner’s Authorised Officers (AOs) continue to conduct plain clothes, covert activities as well as highly visible uniformed activities at major events in Sydney.  

Across the week: 

• 25 breaches were identified 
• 6 Improvement Notices were issued
• 5 Prohibition Notices have been issued 

Major events 

The week saw three major events take place in Sydney - two major music events and the Spring Champions Race Day. Our AOs had a strong presence at all of them.   

The Weeknd concert – Accor Stadium  

On the 22 and 23 October, The Weeknd performed to two sold out audiences at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. AO’s were on site before, during and after the concert, and Point to Point vehicles were in place in key areas throughout the evening with VMS boards advising passengers that drivers are required to use the meter.  

37 taxis were inspected and 72 rideshare vehicles were inspected.  

• 4 fines were issued to rideshare drivers for failing to display a retroreflective sign
• 1 fine was issued for overcharging 

Stray Kids concert – Moore Park  

On the 26 October, global K-pop superstars Stray Kids performed at Allianz Stadium in front of 40,000 fans. Our AO’s were out in force ensuring compliance from drivers. 

111 vehicles were inspected, 3 fines identified, and 1 Improvement Notice was issued. 

• 2 rideshare drivers were identified not displaying their retroreflective sign
• 1 taxi driver was identified not displaying their Driver ID
• 1 Improvement Notice was issued for a taxi not having an operative security camera system 

Spring Champions Race Day - Randwick Racecourse  

On Saturday 26 October, the Springs Champions Race Day event took place, with punters hedging their best bets at Randwick Racecourse. 

AOs were there to help monitor an extremely busy taxi rank as well as a steady stream of rideshare vehicles arriving to drop off patrons throughout the day. Point to point transport vehicles were strategically positioned within the taxi rank pick up area with “TAXI MUST USE FARE METER DEVICE” displayed to drivers and patrons 

Over the day, 47 rideshare and 24 taxi vehicles were inspected.  

• 8 rideshare drivers were identified not displaying their retroreflective sign 

Joint operation with Guide Dogs Australia - Newcastle 

This week, our AO’s conducted a plain clothes joint operation in Newcastle with Guide Dogs Australia, targeting both rideshare and taxi drivers.  

• 1 fine was issued to a driver for refusing to carry an assistance animal
• 1 fine was issued to a taxi driver for not displaying their Driver ID
• 1 improvement notice was issued for the meter not being visible too all passengers
• 1 prohibition notice identified for seatbelts in a vehicle not retracting properly 

This compliance operation also served as a warning to all drivers who refuse to accept a passenger with an Assistance Animal. At any time, their next passenger could be one of the Commissioner’s Authorised Officers. 

Fare Calculation Device Blitz 

The team conducted a blitz this week on fare calculation devices. Of 385 vehicle inspections between Monday - Thursday, 23 were non-compliant.  

This is an important reminder that 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 meter (or fare calculation device) must also be clearly visible.      

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.   

Weekly wrap up 

Top offences identified