NSW taxi prices could become more expensive under proposed new scheme
Like most other products and services in Australia this year, taxis fares might be about to become even more expensive.
To compensate for the impact of ride-sharing services, taxi customers could be slapped with an extra 20 cent fee on their passenger service levy - bringing the total to $1.20.
The proposed scheme is the NSW Government's latest bid to fund a taxi licence compensation package to bail drivers out of the industry.
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Taxi fares may increase as the government proposes increasing its passenger service levy. A Current Affair
If approved, the "third and final offer" from the state government will see the higher levy remain in place until 2030, after which point the industry would be deregulated.
The move is set to see the total assistance package rise from $645 million to $905 million, meaning metro taxi owners could get $150,000 per car, for up to six cars.
"I've always sought to ensure families who paid out their hard earned cash were not left with the burden of debt through no fault of their own," Minister for Transport David Elliott said.
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NSW Police Minister David Elliott. Jessica Hromas
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"I sincerely hope this eases the financial burden on our cabbies as they manage the transition in point to point services.
"I urge the taxi industry to support this generous package so that taxi licence owners receive the money they deserve as soon as possible."
The package could mean every Sydney metropolitan driver could receive $150,000 per taxi licence with a cap of six plates.
Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.
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