Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade this Saturday 2 March.
While many will be using public transport services, for those catching a rideshare or taxi, Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing wants to make sure everyone rides with confidence that their trip is a safe and fair one.
When catching a rideshare (such as Uber, DiDi or Ola) or taxi, here are some simple tips you should follow:
• Match the car registration details to your booking;
• Check the driver’s name and photo;
• Never accept a ride from somebody claiming to be a driver who approaches you off the street;
• Use the service provider’s in app safety features;
• Let a friend or family member know you are on your way; and
• Always wait for your ride in a well-lit area.
Getting you to the parade and the party
If you're catching rideshare or taxis, be aware that some major roads will be closed and you'll need to walk to get close to the parade viewing areas and post parade activities. A map showing the parade route can be found here.
Both the Bathurst St and Goulburn St secure taxi ranks will be operating as usual so great safe options to catch a ride on the night. More information on secure taxi ranks during Mardi Gras can be found here.
Commissioner’s compliance team will be hitting the streets too.
Safety is the Commissioner’s priority. Over the four recent Taylor Swift concerts, his compliance team of Authorised Officers was out in force at Accor Stadium and Sydney Olympic Park to ensure rideshare, hire vehicle and taxi drivers were doing the right thing. His team of Authorised Officers was also at last weekend’s Bondi Beach Party. The same will go for this weekend’s Mardi Gras – during which the team will be conducting plain clothes and overt activities.
Commissioner Wing has a warning for drivers who might see Mardi Gras and other big events as an opportunity to rip someone off by choosing not to use the meter, overcharging or refusing a trip if the passenger is going a short distance or doesn’t agree to a fixed fare. “My message to drivers thinking about doing the wrong thing is – you’re on notice. For the minority of drivers caught doing the wrong thing, you face a fine of $1000. At any time, it could be one of my officers in your vehicle,” Mr Wing said.
Anyone celebrating Mardi Gras who has hailed a taxi or caught a taxi at a rank and been overcharged, or the driver did not use the meter or refused their trip should contact the Commissioner’s Taxi Fare Hotline on 1800 500 410. Make sure you note the taxi’s number plate so the Hotline team can contact the correct service provider to address your issue.
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Background on the Point to Point Transport Commissioner
The Commissioner is the independent regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare in NSW. The Commissioner's main role is to administer and enforce point to point transport law, including safety standards for the industry. NSW has strong safety laws to ensure the safety of taxi, rideshare and hire vehicle passenger services, and every provider must comply with these safety standards. All service providers must ensure their vehicles are appropriately registered and safe to be driven on the road, and drivers must clear a series of background checks before they can provide passenger services.
The Commissioner works with the point to point transport industry to ensure they have the knowledge and capability to implement systems for managing safety; focusing particularly on compliance through education and information, and undertaking advisory, audit and enforcement activities.
For more information see the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website.
Media Enquiries
Alex Thompson m. 0499 612 089
Alexandra.Thompson@transport.nsw.gov.au