"Two strikes and you're out": Crackdown on dodgy taxi drivers
The NSW government is introducing tougher penalties for taxi drivers caught ripping off passengers, as they crackdown on dodgy practices.
Taxi drivers caught committing two fare-related offences will be disqualified from driving a taxi, rideshare or any other type of transport from December 6.
The offences include not using their meter, overcharging, refusing a passenger travelling a short distance, demanding a fare not displayed on the meter, adding a surcharge and charging a maxi-taxi surcharge for less than five passengers.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen emphasised that the "two strikes and you're out" system would be used to crack down on a “minority of rogue drivers” in the industry, ahead of the holiday season.
"We're sending a strong message to the minority of rogue drivers that if they continue overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares they now risk being kicked out of the industry," Haylen said.
"From 6 December, drivers convicted twice for fare-related offences will not only be disqualified from the taxi industry but also rideshare companies like Uber and DiDi.
"With these better regulations in place, passengers can have a safe and fair ride, while supporting the taxi industry.
“This is a really busy time for the taxi and rideshare industries. Christmas parties are starting to kick off, people will be starting to come home through the airport, and then there are people rushing around for those last-minute gifts,” she added.
"The majority of our state's 15,000 taxi drivers are doing the right thing, but these new measures will ensure that those who aren't, are out."
The laws will also apply to Taxi drivers with existing breaches on record, who will now be at risk of being banned from the industry by the Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing.
More than 900 fines have been issued to taxi drivers by commissioner inspectors in the last two years.
"Let me reinforce, most drivers are consistently doing the right thing, but we want all passengers to know that there will be harsh consequences for drivers who continue to break the rules - they now face being kicked out of the industry," Wing said.
"We take all fare-related offences seriously which is why my Inspectors are frequently out conducting plain clothes operations along with highly visible compliance activities."
He added that "small time first offenders" would not necessarily be prosecuted but issued a fine instead of a strike.
Image: Shutterstock