This long weekend, people across NSW will be out and about enjoying the summer weather with friends and family. The roads will also be busier with people making the most of the final days of the school holidays.
Many of us will also be catching a rideshare or taxi to get home safely, and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, wants to make sure that every ride is a safe ride.
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’s team of on-street Inspectors will once again be out over the long weekend to make sure taxi and rideshare drivers are doing the right thing.
“Safety is my priority, and I will have Inspectors out conducting compliance operations to monitor and ensure the safety of our passengers and drivers. During the festive period we saw a good level of compliance – I want drivers to keep that up!” stated Mr Wing.
The Commissioner is also encouraging all passengers to use some simple tips to make sure they have a safe and positive experience getting to and from their destinations.
When catching a rideshare or taxis, passengers should:
- Match the car registration details to the booking before you get in
- Check the driver’s name and photo
- Use the service provider’s in app safety features
- Let a friend or family member know they are on their way
- Never accept a ride from somebody who approaches you off the street or at the airport.
Passengers are reminded that there are more than 50 secure taxi ranks across NSW, with security guards on duty to help ensure a safe environment for both passengers and drivers. More information on these ranks and their location can be found here.
If a passenger has a taxi fare-related complaint, such as being overcharged, the meter not being used or refused a hire, they should call the Commissioner’s Taxi Fare Hotline – 1800 500410. When providing information, please try and have the taxi’s number plate and the name of the taxi company to help the team refer the complaint to the right company.
“It is great to see NSW so busy with people out enjoying their holidays and the weather. I want passengers to know that my team and I are working with them to ensure every ride is a safe ride” Mr Wing finished.
Media Enquiries
Tathia Shield Wells | m. 0412 470310 | tathiashield.wells@transport.nsw.gov.au
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.
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.