Here's What Victoria's Proposed Taxi Laws Could Mean For You
Taxi drivers could set their own fares under legislative changes proposed by the Victorian government.
No matter where you stand on the Uber vs. taxi debate, there are hefty changes ahead for Victorians if proposed taxi industry legislation comes into effect.
Of the back of August's law changes, which saw a $1 levy imposed on all Uber and taxi rides, this next swag of reforms was proposed by the Victorian Government in Parliament yesterday, to be put in place from next year, if passed.
The proposed laws are aimed at deregulating the taxi industry and levelling the playing field in the competition between taxis and ride share companies. Here's what's on the table.
Taxi service providers would be allowed to set their own fares, giving customers the option to shop around for the best price and to ask drivers for a fare estimate before they hop in a car.
As Taxi Drivers Association president Michael Jools told The Age, while this law would certainly boost competition, it could also wreak havoc as taxi drivers fight to offer the cheapest fare and potentially cut into their own earnings. On the upside, taxis setting their own fares could mean better prices for loyal clients, as well as benefits like getting fixed fares to the airport. It'll also mean drivers won't be required to use a traditional meter.
On the flip side, this could also mean that there would be no cap to fare prices.
Under these proposed laws, taxis could have the freedom to implement surge pricing during busy times, just like Uber. This could see fares going through the roof on Friday nights or after big sporting events. According to The Age, the government will devise a plan to monitor surging fares for people with disabilities that rely on taxis and during a crisis.
Taxis, hire cars and ride share companies would all operate under the same rules, with safety cameras installed at all ranks.
This would mean more choice for you as a customer, which again boils down to more money in your pocket. It'll also go towards addressing some of the safety concerns you might currently have with taxis and ride share services.
Failing to give an accurate estimate or fixed cost at the start of the trip would see drivers lumped with tough penalties, including loss of accreditation for repeat offenders.
This one's a big win for anyone who's ever been burned with a massive charge at the end of a ride. Riders will know what they're in for before they hop in the car.
The finer details of the legislation are yet to be announced, but are expected to go through parliament later this year.
Via The Age. Image: Savio Sebastian via Flickr.
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