Victorian taxi, rideshare drivers face new penalties for dodgy behaviour
Victorian taxi and rideshare drivers will soon be unable to refuse trips and must accept passengers with assistance animals in an expansion of the state government’s crackdown on dodgy drivers.
From July 1, the government’s “two strikes” rule will be expanded to include drivers who misuse meters, refuse a receipt and turn passengers with assistance animals away.
From August, Victorian taxis won't be allowed to refuse fares, including short trips. Angela Wylie
Rob Fletcher says he and his guide dog Hamish have been turned away by drivers several times.
“I think the record has been up to seven refusals in a row,” Fletcher said.
“I’ve probably had 20 to 30 experiences I’ve been driven off and left standing on street corners in the middle of the night.”
Under the strike policy, drivers who are prosecuted twice within 10 years can lose their accreditation.
Audio recording in taxis will be compulsory in addition to video recording, which is already mandatory.
From August, it will be an offence for drivers to refuse a fare, including for short trips.
This offence will also be part of the “two strikes” rule.
Booking service providers such as Uber must tell the regulator about incidents of overcharging, service refusal and assault from August as well.
“Turning away some of our most vulnerable passengers because it’s a short trip or because they’re travelling with an assistance animal has no place in this industry,” Victorian Public Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said.
The "two strikes, you're out" rule for rideshare and taxi drivers has been expanded. Ryan Stuart
“Most drivers do the right thing every day. We’re making sure the small minority who don’t are held to account.”
The government will also broaden its name and shame register to include more information about action taken against drivers and providers.
The register will show when a driver’s accreditation has been cancelled due to a criminal offence or court order, or suspended over serious allegations.
“Our name and shame register will stop repeat wrong-doers from quietly moving to another provider and getting back behind the wheel,” Williams said.
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