A TAXI reform blueprint from the State Government has been largely welcomed by
drivers and a Swan Hill based taxi company.
The Taxi Industry Inquiry,
established in March 2011, made 139 recommendations to the Victorian
Government.
The State has responded this week with varying amounts of support
on the wide ranging reforms aimed at creating better drivers, better cars and
better service.
“The proposed changes will have significant and wide-ranging
benefits for the people of country Victoria, while ensuring the interests of
current taxi providers are considered,” Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder
said.
Taxi Cabs Swan Hill partner Shirley Croft said her business already
complied with most of the reforms, such as tightened security and driver duress
buttons.
Ms Croft also welcomed the news that would see 55 per cent of fares
go to drivers, previously this figure was 50 per cent.
“The drivers have had
a win getting to keep more of the fare box,” she said.
“Unfortunately they
may have to wait up to 12 months for a rise to be implemented.
For more of this story, see Friday’s Guardian (May 31).
