The Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s team of Authorised Officers, is regularly out in force conducting plain clothes and highly visible compliance operations to ensure safety and that rideshare, hire vehicle and taxi drivers are doing the right thing.
As a part of these operations, the team target rogue taxi drivers providing rank and hail services who don’t use the meter, overcharge, or refuse a passenger if they do not agree to a fixed fare or are only going a short distance. Any taxi driver caught for any of these fare-related offences faces a hefty fine of $1000.
More than 840 fines have been issued to taxi drivers for fare-related offences since November 2022.
The Commissioner’s Authorised Officers are currently conducting a compliance blitz across the state to crack down on rogue drivers intentionally hiding the meter from passengers, sometimes behind objects such as water bottles or tissue boxes or operators who have meters placed where passengers can't easily see them.
“These rogue drivers trying to rip passengers off represent the minority of taxi drivers, most drivers are hardworking and law-abiding. My team is out across NSW cracking down on those drivers who choose to do the wrong thing.” Commissioner Wing warned.
Taxi operators are also being targeted as a part of the blitz to make sure they are ensuring meters in their taxis s are visible to all passengers.
To ensure they are getting a fair fare, passengers must be able to see the meter at all times, and taxis drivers must always charge what is displayed on the meter.
The Commissioner’s Authorised Officers have already inspected more than 385 taxi vehicles and are directing drivers to make sure the meter is clearly visible – approximately a dozen drivers are facing a $300 fine, and more than 20 notices have been sent to taxi operators for not placing meters in a visible location in the vehicle. The targeted blitz is making it clear to drivers and service providers that they are on notice.
The Commissioner’s meter blitz will continue across the state.
“Drivers know that my team of Authorised Officers is frequently out conducting plain clothes operations along with highly visible compliance activities – they will, however, never know when it is one of my officers in their vehicle.
Passengers are reminded to call the Commissioner’s Taxi Fare Hotline – 1800 500 410 - if they experience a taxi fare-related issue. These reports will be provided to the appropriate taxi company to follow up and take appropriate action with respect to their drivers. Since the Hotline started in November 2022 more than 2, 470 passengers have received refunds from taxi providers after being overcharged.
“Let me reinforce, that the vast majority of drivers do the right thing, but my team is focused on stopping those rogue drivers who seem intent of finding ways to rip passengers off. My team’s meter blitz to stamp out hidden tricks being used is another way we are putting these drivers and service providers on notice. Passengers have the right to a fair fare every trip”. Commissioner Wing finished.
Background on the Point to Point Transport Commissioner
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, 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.
Media Enquiries
Alex Thompson m. 0499 612 089
Alexandra.thompson@transport.nsw.gov.au