Taxi and limousine
Taxi Security Camera Program
The Taxi Security Camera Program policy paper was released on the Transport and Main Roads website on Thursday 22 November 2012 and was available for comment until Friday 18 January 2013.
The department received a range of submissions which are currently being reviewed. Where appropriate, comments will be included in the final position that is anticipated to be presented to Government for approval in the second half of 2013.
All affected stakeholders will be notified of any changes as a result of this process.
Automated Taximeters
New laws are being proposed that will require taximeters to be fully automated and integrated with other taxi equipment to reduce instances of overcharging and taxi fare disputes in Queensland. Current laws make it illegal for taxi drivers to charge more than the allowable maximum taxi fare, but in practice overcharging can still occur.
Benefits
The new laws will provide benefits to both passengers and the taxi industry by:
- greater transparency of taxi fares
- improved fleet efficiency for taxi booking companies
- better protection of earnings for operators and
- enhanced public confidence in the taxi system in Queensland.
Automated Taximeters Discussion Paper
The period for feedback on the Automated Taximeters Discussion Paper closed on 28 September 2012. Information collected through the consultation process is currently being evaluated. If amendments to the legislation are made as a result of the final policy developed it is expected that these may take effect in 2013.
Taxi Security Camera Program Review
The review of the taxi security camera systems has finished its 6 week consultation phase. The 'Future direction of the taxi security cameras Discussion Paper' was published on both the department's website and the 'Have your say' website. The paper was available for comment until 30 April 2011.
Feedback from the discussion paper was used to develop a policy paper.
Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has been working with the taxi industry to develop a draft taxi strategic plan that sets out a vision and action plan that will shape the future of taxi services over the next five years.
The plan focuses on safety, customer service, commercial viability, economic efficiency, industrial fairness and a regulatory framework that serves to ensure public benefit.
The Taxi Industry Advisory Committee has been a key part in the development of the draft strategic plan. While TIAC consists of representatives from various segments of the taxi industry including drivers, operators, owners and industry bodies as well as community group representatives, the values and opinions of these groups on a much larger scale will provide valuable input and help to ensure that it seeks to make improvements in the right areas in the right way.
Consultation on the draft Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015 was undertaken between 2 June and 2 August 2010. Following amendments to the strategy as a result of the feedback received, the Minister for Transport, the Honourable Rachel Nolan MP tabled the Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015 in Parliament on 25 November 2010.
A total of 30 responses providing feedback on the draft Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015 were received. Responses ranged from comprehensive, detailed documents to letters and single issue emails, and reflected the views and opinions of industry stakeholders including drivers, operators, owners and taxi booking companies and the public. Some respondents also made comment on the recommendations made by the Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman.
The feedback, which is summarised in the attached document was used in the further development of the Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015.
Summary of feedback from consultation on draft Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015 (PDF, 158 KB)
To assist in the development of the draft Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015, the department engaged consultants to conduct interviews and forums with industry representatives, review industry performance data and conduct international research. The report produced has provided technical input into the development of the strategic plan.
Annual taxi industry stakeholder forums
In late 2011 the Department of Transport and Main Roads held taxi industry stakeholder forums in Cairns, Ipswich and Brisbane North. A total of 10 industry stakeholders attended the 3 forums.
TMR intended to hold these forums each year in different locations across Queensland to provide taxi industry stakeholders with an opportunity to meet with departmental representatives and to hear about the progress of the Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010-2015.
However given the poor attendance at the 2011 forums and the cost to run them, no forums will be held in 2012. Should any future forums be organised, the dates and locations will be confirmed by TMR.
Queensland Government Response to Report on Investigation into the Taxi Industry in Queensland by the Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman
The Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) instigated an independent investigation into work related issues affecting taxi drivers throughout Queensland. The Ombudsman's Report was tabled in Parliament on 24 June 2010. In response to the Ombudsman's Report, the Minister for Transport extended the consultation period on the draft Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010–2015 to enable sufficient time for both documents to be considered in parallel.
The Queensland Government also established an interagency working group comprising of senior officers from the Departments of Transport and Main Roads, Justice and Attorney-General, Premier and Cabinet, Queensland Treasury and Queensland Police Service to consider the Ombudsman's Report and examine the recommendations made.
The Queensland Government's Response to the Ombudsman's Report was tabled in Parliament by the Minister for Transport, the Honourable Rachel Nolan, MP on 25 November 2010.
Economic Analysis of the Taxi Industry
The taxi industry has a unique and complex structure due to the various entities involved which broadly include taxi booking companies, management companies, licence owners, operators and drivers. In addition, the cost structure of the industry itself with regard to revenue flow is also complex due to the varying operating arrangements between parties. The complexity of these elements means that effective policy decisions are dependent on understanding the mechanics of the industry and the potential ripple effect of government intervention through policy change. In recognition of this, the Department of Transport and Main Roads engaged L.E.K. Consulting to undertake an economic analysis of the taxi industry.
The analysis was based on a sample of single conventional taxis operating in Brisbane in 2009–10. It was provided at a point in time in the economic cycle and was based on reported revenues and costs provided by a sample of Brisbane's taxi operators. While it provides insights into the economics of the taxi industry, the economics of individual operators may differ substantially from the general picture provided in this document.
Queensland Taxi Industry Review Economic Model and Policy Considerations (PDF, 211 KB)
Policy Considerations
In 2010, L.E.K. Consulting was engaged by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to assist with research and analysis to complement the development and testing of taxi industry reform. The work focused on six key themes:
- operator-driver agreements and dispute resolution
- licence sub-leasing
- taxi licence supply and licensing approaches
- fare level setting and increases / appropriateness of the existing fare review model
- affiliation fees
- testing of service level standards / mystery shopper program.
An important focus of the work was the comparison of reforms and regulations across jurisdictions. The review was conducted over an eight week period and was based on industry interviews across Australia and analysis of publicly available information.
Queensland Taxi Industry Review Policy Considerations (PDF, 361 KB)
Taxi Industry Advisory Committee
The Taxi Industry Advisory Committee was established by the Minister for Transport, to assist both the Minister and the Department of Transport and Main Roads in progressing major priority initiatives identified under the Taxi Strategic Plan and prioritise its policy and legislative agenda to best address the needs of the taxi industry as a whole.
Please visit the Taxi Industry Advisory Committee page for more information.
Taxi Driver Fatigue Management
Mystery Passenger Project
The Department of Transport and Main Roads commissioned an initial mystery shopper audit in 2009 (PDF, 589 KB) to provide an overview of taxi industry performance and gain a better understanding of the level of service being provided to taxi passengers.
In line with Strategy 9.2 of the Queensland Taxi Strategic Plan 2010-2015 the department entered into a contract with Roy Morgan Research Limited to undertake an additional mystery shopper exercise in 2011.
From 8 September to 9 October 2011, 1 265 audits were undertaken in all major centres of Queensland including Brisbane/Redland, Ipswich/Logan, Redcliffe/Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville.
A key result of the survey found 89% of taxi passengers rated their experience as satisfactory or higher.
For more information about the 2011 mystery passenger audit, download the 2011 Mystery Shopper Report (PDF, 623 KB).
What is a taxi service licence?
A taxi service licence authorises the holder to provide a taxi service in a specific area subject to certain conditions.
A taxi service licence may be leased, sold or otherwise transferred, but only to an appropriately accredited operator.
Other taxi-related information:
What is a limousine service?
A limousine service is an unscheduled public passenger service by a luxury motor vehicle where the fare is decided before the journey begins.
What is a limousine service licence?
A limousine service licence authorises the holder to provide a limousine service in a specific area subject to certain conditions.
A limousine service licence may be leased, sold or otherwise transferred, but only to an appropriately accredited operator.
Limousine-related information:
Fact sheets
Information bulletins and fact sheets on our services are available at the links below. Relevant taxi and limousine fact sheets will be updated once available.
aHigher rates apply from mobile phones and payphones. If calling outside of Queensland, STD rates will apply.
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- Taxi bailment
Information on taxi bailment
- Limousine Users Guide
The Limousine Users Guide has been developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in consultation with industry to assist individuals and businesses in choosing an authorised limousine operator.
- Special Purpose Limousines
The introduction of Special Purpose Limousines (SPL) on 3 November 2008 saw an increase in the types of vehicles that are able to provide limousine services in Queensland. Special Purpose Limousines are restricted to providing wedding, formal and tourist services.
- Disability Discrimination Act Reference Group
The Taxi Industry Disability Discrimination Act reference group is chaired by the Department of Transport and Main Roads with representation from the Queensland taxi industry.
- Limousine Strategic Planning Committee
- Regional limousine service licences
The Department of Transport and Main Roads commenced sale of regional limousine service licences on 1 July 2007. The areas approved for these new areas are Capricornia, far north Queensland and north Queensland.
- Taxi Industry Advisory Committee
The Taxi Industry Advisory Committee (TIAC) was established by the Minister for Transport, to assist both the Minister and the Department of Transport and Main Roads in progressing major priority initiatives identified under the Taxi Strategic Plan and prioritise its policy and legislative agenda to best address the needs of the taxi industry as a whole.
- Taxi Industry Reform Package
An information paper is available to inform interested stakeholders about proposed reforms to the taxi industry. The objective of the reforms is to ensure that a high level of passenger safety and service is delivered by the taxi industry.
- Taxi security cameras
In October 2004, the Queensland Government announced it would fund the supply and installation of security cameras in approximately 2700 taxis in Queensland. It is compulsory for security cameras to be fitted to taxis in the 20 'taxi service contract areas' located throughout Queensland.
- Taxi Strategic Planning Committee
- Taxi subsidy scheme
Information about the taxi subsidy scheme, including eligibility requirements and how to apply for membership.
- Taxi Subsidy Scheme Review Panel
The Taxi Subsidy Scheme Review Panel includes representatives from community and disability groups to make recommendations to government on the future of the Taxi Subsidy Scheme.
