Victoria is taking significant steps to enhance passenger safety and accountability within its taxi industry. New regulations will target drivers who refuse short trips, deny service to passengers with assistance animals, and engage in other forms of misconduct. These measures aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all passengers.
The Victorian government is expanding its ‘two strikes and you’re out’ regime, which was initially introduced earlier this year to address fare-related convictions. From July 1, the regime will include new offenses such as misusing a taxi meterrefusing to provide a receipt and turning away passengers with assistance animals.
Expanding the ‘Two Strikes and You’re Out’ Regime
Starting from July 1, the ‘two strikes and you’re out’ regime will be expanded to include several new offenses. Drivers found guilty of these offenses twice within a 10-year period will face the cancellation of their accreditation. This expansion is part of a broader effort to weed out bad behavior and ensure that drivers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and customer service.
From August 1, refusing a short trip will become an offense and be added to the taxi two-strikes list. Additionally, taxi and ride-share companies will be required to notify Safe Transport Victoria of incidents where drivers have overcharged, refused service, or assaulted passengers. This measure aims to hold companies accountable and ensure that they take appropriate action against drivers who engage in misconduct.
Mandatory Audio and Video Recording
To address concerns about passenger safety, taxis will be required to record both audio and video during trips. This measure is designed to capture any instances of wrongdoing and provide evidence that can be used to hold drivers accountable. However, it is important to note that neither audio nor video recording will be required for ride-share drivers, as their vehicles are considered private.
The introduction of mandatory audio recording in taxis is a significant step towards enhancing passenger safety. It will allow authorities to capture conversations that reveal wrongdoing, ensuring that drivers are held accountable for their actions. Discussions are also underway with ride-share operators about implementing similar measures, although there are some challenges due to the private nature of ride-share vehicles.
Expanding the Public Register
An existing public register will be expanded to include details of when a driver’s accreditation has been cancelled because of a criminal offense or a court order, or if it was suspended because of an alleged sexual assault. This expansion aims to provide greater transparency and ensure that drivers who have been disqualified from one company cannot simply move to another.
The government is also expanding the ‘name and shame’ register to include more information about disciplinary action taken against drivers and providers. This measure is designed to stop repeat wrongdoers from quietly moving to another provider and getting back behind the wheel. By making this information publicly available, the government aims to enhance public confidence in the taxi industry and ensure that drivers are held accountable for their actions.
Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams emphasized the importance of these measures in ensuring that drivers who repeatedly engage in misconduct are forced out of the industry. She stated that turning away vulnerable passengers because of a short trip or the presence of an assistance animal has no place in the industry. The government’s initiatives aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all passengers, while also holding drivers and companies accountable for their actions.
