October 2012 - Taxi Talk Magazine

Voice 

of the Taxi Industry 

TAXI 

magazine 

Official journal of the Victorian Taxi Association 

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a queue. They’re all 

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during the Melbourne 

Cup Carnival. 

Victorian Taxi Association editorial 

Industry Inquiry’s final report due now 

VTA Membership 

You’re invited to become a VTA member 

Melbourne’s new taxi vehicle 

Taxi Industry leaders wishing to design a new 

purpose-built taxi for Victoria 

Dandenong Taxis 

Have shifted and opened their new premises 

From the Taxi Directorate 

Driver safety is critical in this season of high 

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Victorian taxi statistics 

Licence assignments, transfers and issues for 

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Classified advertisements 

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Voice 


TAXI 

magazine 

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION 

magazine editor ........................ Toni F. Peters 

vta editor ...........................................Neil Sach 

founder ....................................Stanley F. White 

publisher ..................Trade Promotions Pty Ltd 

Advertising enquiries 

Trade Promotions Pty. Ltd. 

42 Grenfell Rd, Mt Waverley VIC 3149 

PO Box 2345, Mt Waverley VIC 3149 

Phone: ............................................. 03 9807 0237 

Fax: .................................................. 03 9807 3401 

Email: ................................... info@taxitalk.com.au 

Website: ................................ www.taxitalk.com.au 

ADVERTISING DEADLINE 

All copy must be in by the 15th of the month prior 

to publication date. 

Subscription details 

1 year = $33 

Pay via PAYPAL to info@taxitalk.com.aud 

fo 

Phone: 03 9676 2635................ Fax: 03 9676 2643 

president ....................................Kevin Gange 

vice president .................Stephen Armstrong 

chief executive ..............................Neil Sach 

Taxi Talk, official journal of the Victorian Taxi Association Inc. (VTA) the trade association representing owners, operators and drivers of Victorian taxicabs, is 

published monthly by Trade Promotions Pty Ltd. © Trade Promotions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Taxi Talk magazine is wholly owned by Trade Promotions Pty 

Ltd. The “Taxi Talk - Voice of the taxi industry” heading and logos are trademarks of Stanley F. White. 

Views expressed in any article in Taxi Talk are those of the individual contributor and not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept any 

responsibility for any opinions, information, errors or omissions in this publication. To the extent permitted by law, the publisher will not be liable for any damages 

including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) 

or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising from the contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damage. 

Advertisements must comply with the relevant provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Responsibility for compliance with the Act rests with the person, 

company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. 

4 | October 2012 

Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi Industry

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VTA CEO 

Inquiry’s 

final report 

By the time this edition hits the streets, the Taxi Inquiry’s 

final report will have most likely been submitted 

to the Minister for Public Transport. What happens then 

is a matter for the Government to decide. 

One thing clear is that the report won’t be made 

available to the public or the industry until it is tabled 

in Parliament. The Minister has up to 14 parliamentary 

sitting days to table the report after he formally receives 

it from the Inquiry. This means that the report might not 

be tabled until mid December. 

Apart from deciding how it will respond to the recommendations, 

the Government has a major task of 

deciding on transitional arrangements and implementation 

plans. Some changes could be made quickly, 

but, on the other hand, some could take years. 

Importantly, once the Inquiry has finished its work, 

the Government needs to appoint the Commissioners 

(at least the Lead Commissioner) of the Taxi 

Services Commission (TSC). This is necessary to 

oversee the transitional arrangements, including 

morphing the VTD into the TSC. I would anticipate 

that the (Lead) Commissioner could be known 

by the end of October or early November. 

Whatever the timing and sequence of events 

might be, it will be sometime yet before the 

future of the Victorian taxi industry is known. 

It will be a trying time for all industry stakeholders 

who need to make decisions 

about their business and their future. 

On behalf of industry stakeholders, 

the VTA will continue to work with 

government on its plans and future 

arrangements. 

Don’t forget to follow happenings 

on the VTA website www. 

victaxi.com.au. D 


Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi

142-146 Roden Street 

West Melbourne VIC 3003 

T: 1300 883 703 

F: 03 9328 8155

Inquiry figures >>> 

Don’t add up for drivers & operators 

Economic and financial modelling 

completed by the Victorian Taxi 

Industry Inquiry has predicted that 

profit earned by Melbourne taxis will 

drop by 26 per cent, per car if draft 

recommendations are adopted by 

the government. This is set to put 

additional pressure on driver pay, 

as well as on small taxi businesses, 

already struggling with rising input 

costs. 

The modelling, prepared by 

the inquiry and used as the basis 

for key policy recommendations, 

shows that profit per taxi will drop 

by 26 per cent, while the cost of running 

a cab will rise by 5 per cent. 

Other key findings in the paper include 

that taxi wait times in Victoria 

will be improved by less than a minute, 

Victoria’s taxi fleet will grow by 8 

per cent, while demand for taxis will 

climb by less than half that figure. 

At the same time, utilisation of taxis, 

that is the time they are actually occupied 

by passengers, will drop by 

4 per cent. 

In response the Victorian Taxi Association 

(VTA) has appointed leading 

accountancy firm PwC to conduct 

independent modelling. 

VTA spokesperson David Samuel 

said the industry was concerned 

that, under the inquiry’s modelling, 

taxi businesses were set to suffer 

enormous losses. 

“By the inquiry’s own reckoning, 

if these recommendations are 

adopted by government, profit for 

each Melbourne taxi will drop by 26 

per cent. This will have a significant 

impact on drivers and operators. 

The taxi industry has acknowledged 

that broad based reform is required. 

However, the pain to be inflicted on 

the industry does not add up when 

considered against the predicted 

outcomes,” Mr Samuel said. 

“Slashing the profitability of a taxi 

by 26 per cent, in order for it to get 

there 47 seconds earlier makes no 

sense in the real world. Likewise, 

growing the fleet by 8 per cent to 

service a predicted increase in demand 

of 3 per cent just doesn’t add 

up.” 

For an inquiry that has relied on 

evidence, their own evidence is 

predicting a terrible outcome for the 

industry and the community. These 

numbers support the reality that a 

number of key inquiry recommendations 

are flawed and need to be 

re-visited.” 

“Penalising taxi owners who have 

obtained their licence legally, taxi 

operators who are just trying to run 

a small business and taxi drivers 

who are already under enormous 

pressure is simply not sustainable. 

These reforms will result in people 

leaving the industry, rather than 

wanting to reform it.” 

“Most importantly, they will mean 

worse outcomes for customers as 

drivers and operators are forced 

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to cut corners, and lower service 

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viable.” 

“Given the VTA’s concern with the 

inquiry’s figures, we have appointed 

leading accountancy firm PwC 

to conduct independent modelling 

to assess the likely impact of the reforms 

on the taxi industry. This will 

be completed in the coming weeks 

and provided to the inquiry and the 

government. PwC have already apprised 

us of their significant concerns 

with the outcomes drawn 

from the inquiry’s modelling.” 

“The VTA has also engaged leading 

economist, and subject matter 

expert, Professor Des Nicholls, from 

the Australian National University, 

to analyse the implications of the 

draft recommendations and compare 

them to taxi industry reform 

packages in other jurisdictions,” Mr 

Samuel concluded. D 

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VTA membership >>> 

The Victorian Taxi Association 

(VTA) is pleased to announce that 

recent changes to its Constitution 

will see membership opportunities 

made available for accredited taxi 

operators who are operating taxis 

and for accredited current taxi licence 

holders who have operated 

a taxi. 

Members joining the VTA under 

this class of membership will be 

referred to as our Taxi-cab Operator 

Members. Such members will 

form what is to called the Taxi-cab 

Operators Collective within the VTA 

Constitution. 

On behalf of VTA president 

Kevin Gange we would like to take 

this opportunity to encourage and 

welcome industry participants who 

comprise this vital group from within 

our industry. 

Accredited taxi operators who 

are operating a taxi and accredited 

current taxi licence holders 

who have operated a taxi will receive 

the same benefits as existing 

members through the work of the 

VTA. This work includes, but is not 

limited to: 

• Working with Government to 

achieve agreed goals and 

outcomes for the taxi industry. 

• Working with the taxi industry 

to ensure that participants 

clearly understand their responsibilities 

under the law, 

and more specifically under 

the Taxi Industry Accreditation 

regime. 

• Working with Local Government 

and Local Councils to 

develop and locate taxi rank 

infrastructure. 

• Working with Local Government 

and Local Councils to 

develop and plan for major 

events. 

• Developing and communicating 

new business opportunities 

for taxi industry participants 

right across the State. 


Need 

• Developing resources to assist 

taxi-cab drivers, operators 

and Network Service Providers 

with their day to day activities. 

• Working at a national level to 

ensure the Victorian taxi industry 

is well versed in Commonwealth 

legislation, trends 

and resource pricing. 

Members of the Taxi-cab Collective 

will be able to form a committee 

comprising of a chairman, 

secretary and others, and will be 

required to operate under approved 

rules. 

The Taxi-cab Collective will be 

able to nominate a person or persons 

for appointment to the VTA 

Council. Once appointed to the 

VTA Council, Taxi-cab Collective 

councillor’s will have the opportunity 

to stand for election and appointment 

to the VTA Executive 

Council. 

Membership subscription fees 

for this new class of membership 

will be announced shortly. For existing 

VTA membership, fees will 

remain in place as will access to 

assistance and support from VTA 

staff. 

All VTA members are subject to 

the provisions of the VTA Constitution, 

and all regulations and bylaws 

made under the Constitution, 

and codes of ethics or practices 

prescribed by the Executive Council. 

Membership application forms 

will be available from the VTA office 

from Thursday 1 November 2012. 

NEIL SACH 

VTA Secretary D 

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Melbourne Airport >>> 

Melbourne Airport is undergoing a number of changes 

to support its future growth. There are currently 28 

million passengers who move through Melbourne Airport 

every year and this number is expected to more 

than double by 2030. 

In response to feedback Melbourne Airport has updated 

its terms and conditions to include penalty periods. 

These new ‘penalty periods’ will not impact most 

drivers however, it will allow a course of action for those 

drivers who do not adhere to the procedures. 

Feedback also indicated there are a small number of 

taxis that do not adhere to Melbourne Airport’s procedures. 

As a result, Melbourne Airport is now working with the 

Victorian Taxi Association and the Victorian Taxi Directorate 

on strategies that will rectify this including various 

options to address ‘short fares’ to streamline the system 

and reduce driver wait times. 

Melbourne Airport is also improving access to the 

airport precinct with a number of projects underway to 

support future growth, including substantial improvements 

to the airport’s road network. These projects include: 

• Forecourt Redevelopment Stage 2 project - which 

includes the construction of a fourth lane. 

• Extension of Francis Briggs Road to APAC Drive. 

• Reorientation of Melrose Drive Taxi Yard - taxis will 

soon enter and exit via the extended Francis Briggs 

Road which will reduce congestion at the Melrose 

Drive roundabout. 

• In addition to easing traffic congestion, these road 

improvements will enable access to the proposed 

Southern Precinct Project (SPP) Stage 1. 

SPP Stage 1 includes the construction of a new domestic 

terminal and multi level structure, which will include 

a ground transport interchange for taxis and buses 

as well as general public parking. 

The current upgrade to the taxi system is scheduled 

to be completed in October. 

For more details on taxi procedures and to read 

the new terms and conditions, please visit www.melbourneairport.com.au/taxis 

Melbourne Airport thanks taxi drivers for their patience 

and support while these important projects are undertaken. 

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Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi Industry October 2012 | 11

$7 million loss >>> 

fare evasions fleece taxi drivers 


has estimated that fare evasion 

costs cabbies about $7 million a 

year. Source: Herald Sun 

Taxi drivers are being fleeced of 

millions of dollars because of passengers’ 

declined debit cards. 


has estimated that fare evasion 

costs cabbies about $7 million a 

year. 

That figure includes cases where 

an Eftpos card was declined and 

the passenger did not pay the fare. 

Some cabbies said they let 

these customers go to avoid being 

attacked or having their taxi damaged. 

George Dedic, a 20-year taxi veteran, 

said not demanding payment 

from passengers whose cards had 

been declined cost him $540 in 2 

1/2 years. 

He believed some customers 

knowingly got into taxis without 

having enough money in their bank 

account to pay the fare. 

“I can’t do nothing. I don’t want 

to be stabbed or bashed,” Mr Dedic, 

67, said. 

“To call the police for 

$20 or $50, you reckon 

it’s worth it? It’s not.” 

The comments came 

as a driver bashed by a 

drunken passenger early 

yesterday said he didn’t know if he 

would get back behind the wheel. 

Himmatt Garg, 30, suffered a 

broken nose and cheekbone during 

the assault in Upwey. 

Indian-born Mr Garg picked up a 

20-year-old in Ringwood and drove 

him to an address in Mast Gully Rd 

just before 1am. 

The driver was punched in the 

head up to six times and pulled 

from the car after the pair argued 

over the $50 fare when the man’s 

Eftpos card was declined. 

The attacker fled and Mr Garg 

walked to a service station, where 

he flagged down a passing police 

patrol. He was taken to hospital 

and later released. 

Senior Constable Melinda Bailey-Taylor 

said the attack may have 

been avoided if the fare was prepaid. 

Cabbies can demand prepaid 

fares between 10pm and 5am and 

can run a pre-approval on a credit 

or Eftpos card. 

Victorian Taxi Association 

spokesman David Samuel said 

fare evasion was increasing as 

more people paid electronically. 

He said the attack on Mr Garg 

reinforced calls for stiffer penalties 

for cabbie-bashers, an education 

campaign and changes in vehicle 

design. 

Victorian Taxi Directorate 

spokesman Bob Neilson said 

pre-paying cut fare evasion and 

protected drivers by reducing the 

likelihood of fare disputes. 

Taxi inquiry supremo Allan Fels 

said many drivers chose not to get 

an estimate of the fare. 

Police told a public hearing of the 

taxi inquiry last month a specific 

fare evasion offence was needed. 

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St Nth Melb Call Jimmy 0412 717 616 

XI Former COVER 

member gets 

s it - wrong SEDANs 

member did not comply with the club’s policy 

covery for loss of income 

We would like to respond to the Metro Club Inc within hours of his All members are told to read 

allegations brought against Metro accident. Mr Antoune then came and understand the policy before 

airs Club Inc carried on 17 August on out the ABC into the office once his car was repaired 

joining our Club to avoid future 

report the accident and problems. We have been in the taxi 

7:30pm Report. 

ped workshop in tottenham 

The allegations are that Metro demanded money for repairs he industry for well over 40 years and 

x tAxis mobile eftpos 

Club Inc has failed to pay for the we make sure that all the needs of 

irs damages to put for the you accident allegedly 

caused by former member Member not complying with the run their taxi business with perfect 

back This on is a classic the example road of a our ASAP members are covered and they 

Mr Khalil Antoune. The third party club’s policy. 

peace of mind. 

rts used 

is now chasing Mr Antoune for the Metro Club Inc Policy Clearly Regardless of what Taxi Club 

damages for the accident, that his States: 

you’re a member with, you must 

ed 

driver 

for 

caused 

no 

over two 

claims 

years ago. • 

and 

All accidents 

not 

at fault 

at 

/not 

fault 

at comply 

claims 

with their Club’s policy. If 

Apparently Mr Antoune is telling you do then you shouldn’t have a 

y 

LER 

property 

> 

everyone that Metro / 

BRIGHTER 

Club public Inc has liability 

> 

club within 24 hours. cover 

FASTER 

problem. 30 Million 

refused to pay for the damages. • Repairing your vehicle at your If any member from the Taxi Industry 

has any questions please 

Hotline There are several 0425 reasons 837 regarding 

own 766 risk automatically voids 

why Mr Antoune was ter- 

your policy. 

don’t hesitate to call us on 9348 

OW minated RESPRAYS from Metro Clun Inc. FROM • Metro Club $1090 has a right to cancel 

(incGST) 

9507 or even come into the office 

One of the reasons was that 

Mr Antoune had repaired his taxi 

in a panel shop not authorised by 

the policy at their own dis- 

cretion, if they believe a false 

claim has been reported. 

at 119 Errol Street, North Mel- 

bourne for further information. 

Channy Karapanagiotidis D 

t Nth Melb Call Chantel 9348 9507 

Georgia Halliday from the VTA has spent many 

hours recently at the Melrose Drive taxi holding area, 

talking with drivers to gain an understanding of the 

main issues they currently face at the Melbourne Airport. 

She has had the opportunity to present a number 

of these issues to management of the Airport and a 

conversation is beginning. 

The Airport is undertaking some structural works 

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that will impact drivers. It is important that there is ongoing 

dialogue between the airport and the industry, 

as they both rely on one another. Co-operation between 

all parties will be mutually beneficial. 

While the first of the works are underway, the airport 

have agreed to address the issue of some drivers 

entering the passenger taxi ranks directly from 

the freeway. This behaviour slows down the line and 

causes unnecessary delays for the drivers doing the 

right thing by using the feeder ranks. While it is tempting 

to flaunt the system when it seems everyone else 

is getting away with it, it actually causes disruption and 

dissatisfaction to those queuing and waiting their turn. 

Three driver representatives, the VTA, the VTD and 

various staff from Melbourne Airport met in mid-September. 

The discussion was broad and constructive. 

There is work required by all parties to sort out the 

whole system, but everyone agreed that the aim is for 

all passengers to have a first rate taxi service when 

they use Melbourne Airport. Together we can make 

this happen. D 



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Victorian taxi industry leaders have written to leading 

Australian based vehicle manufacturers calling 

for expressions of interest to design a new purpose 

built taxi vehicle for Melbourne. 

Victorian Taxi Association (VTA) spokesperson 

David Samuel said the decision to approach car 

manufacturers had come after a recent spate of violent 

attacks against Melbourne cab drivers. 

“After consultation with our members the VTA has 

written to vehicle manufacturers seeking their involvement 

in the development of a new taxi vehicle 

for Victoria,” Mr Samuel said. 

“The objective of this project is to produce a 

world’s best practice vehicle that provides the highest 

level of driver safety while also enhancing customer 

comfort and convenience.” 

“Attacks on cab drivers in recent months are getting 

more serious. One way of addressing this is 

through the introduction of a purpose built vehicle 

that emphasises safety.” 

“The specifications we have proposed call for a 

full width protective screen between the driver and 

the passenger compartments. This would come in 

addition to a suite of other reforms including the 

retention of back to base alarm systems linked to 

booking companies, a unique penalty for assaults 

on taxi drivers and an education campaign involving 

government agencies and industry.” 

“A further focus of the new vehicle should be passenger 

comfort. Our document calls for more room 

for passengers, dual operated air conditioning controls 

and a USB charging station for mobile phones. 

Meeting the needs of the disabled is also important. 

We have suggested the vehicle should have adequate 

interior lighting, grab handles and a power 

operated rear lift door.” 

“Together with initiatives like the Queen Street 

Mega Rank and flat fare taxi buses, this is another 

example of the taxi industry working with stakeholders 

to promote sensible, innovative reform,” Mr 

Samuel concluded. 

The VTA has approached Ford, Holden, Hyundai, 

Kia Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and 

Volkswagen and has arranged to meet with a number 

of companies in the coming weeks. D 


Go anywhere, anytime 

Dandenong Taxis has been servicing the 

Dandenong region of the south eastern 

suburbs of Melbourne for over 50 Years. 

Originating from Aerial Taxis which set up 

the first two-way radio taxi dispatch in Dandenong 

in 1954. There were 18 taxis and 

one taxi truck and they operated out of the 

Mobil Service Station on the corner of David 

Street and Princes Highway Dandenong. 

The company changed its name to Sandown 

Taxis in 1962 and operated under this 

name until 1992 when it changed its name 

to Dandenong Taxis to identify more with 

our region. 

Their radio room was operating out of 

their base at 60 Hemmings Street Dandenong 

from 1979 and had out growen the 

premises and needed room to expand. 

With the redevelopment of the old Dandenong stock yards and realignment of Cheltenham Road they 

were able to purchase vacant land in 2009. Development plans were put on hold until early 2011 due to 

the need to upgrade their dispatch system. Construction began in December 2011 and was completed 

by late May 2012. Mr Tim Holding MP, member for Lyndhurst, officially opened Dandenong Taxis Commuication 

Centre on 5 September 2012. 

“It was great to join the team at Dandenong Taxis to celebrate the opening of their Communications 

Centre,” said Mr Holding. “Dandenong Taxis has been serving the Dandenong community for over 50 

years. The new facility includes a training centre and dispatch facilities.” 

“The industry awaits the Government’s response to the Taxi Industry Inquiry. It’s pleasing to see Dandenong 

Taxis investing in its future, in the face of this uncertainty,” he said. D 



Dandenong City 

A rich and diverse history 

For tens of thousands of years 

the area in which Greater Dandenong 

is now located was the territory 

of the Wurundjeri and Boonerwrung 

(or Bunurong) tribes. 

It is thought that the name Dandenong 

is an adaptation of an Aboriginal 

word “Tanjenong” meaning 

lofty mountains and refers to the 

Dandenong Ranges that overlook 

the area. Originally covered with 

dense red gum and eucalypt forests, 

rich soil and abundant water 

supplies, the region easily attracted 

early settlers. 

European incursions into this 

area began when William Hovell 

explored the Dandenong Ranges 

and Dandenong Creek in 1827. By 

the 1840-50s government surveys 

of the land created counties and 

parishes and land was being auctioned 

by 1852. 

In 1837, Joseph Hawdon, became 

the first squatter to settle 

on the Dandenong Creek, establishing 

a pastoral run with cattle 

he had brought overland from 

Sydney. John, Charles and Edward 

Wedge (after coming from 

Launceston with their father with 

400 head of stock) took control of 

land which stretched from Mordialloc 

to Dandenong and on towards 

Cranbourne. 

The Rev James Clow arrived 

soon after, a parson and squatter. 

Clow most likely held some services 

for local parishioners at his 

homestead Tirhatuan once he was 

established. 

Wattle and daub huts with 

thatched roofs were the most popular 

dwellings of the early settlers. 

Timber cutters followed and milling 

of the native timber became 

an important industry. Timber from 

Dandenong was used to build 

both the shipping wharves and 

small blocks were cut to pave Melbourne’s 

streets. 

The 1840-50s population profiles 

show that the Dandenong area not 

only had attracted early English, 

Scottish and Irish settlers, but settlers 

from other countries as well. 

As is normal in the advancement 

of any community, there 

quickly arose the need for the establishment 

of Hotels, Dunn’s Hotel 

(Inn) was the first, however the 

most important Hotel was George 

Dunbar’s Dandenong Hotel which 

served as a social, cultural and 

political centre of town for many 

years. 

It was also used as a church, 

medical centre, coroner’s room, 

post office, grocery store, sales 

room for land auctions, served as 

Council Chambers and a court 

house. Hennessey’s Bridge Hotel 

and Bowman’s Royal Hotel completed 

the quartet. Dunn’s Inn and 

Dunbar’s were both used by visiting 

clergy to hold services. 

The district’s history of medicine 

began when Dr Cook settled in 

Dandenong in 1854 and conducted 

his surgery in a tent pitched in 

Kirkham Road. Mr. George Dunbar 

of Dunbar’s Hotel was one of 

the first medically trained people 

in the district. In 1857 Dr Charles 

Phillips built Briarhurst in McCrae 

Street and developed an extensive 

practice. 

In 1874 a Railway Construction 

Bill was passed and a survey undertaken 

of the proposed route 

to Sale. In 1875 the line from Melbourne 

stopped at Oakleigh. By 

1876 the train line went as far as 

Berwick and a year later it reached 

Drouin. But in 1878 if you wanted 

to travel all the way to Sale you still 

had to finish the journey by coach. 

Dandenong railway station was 

erected in 1881. By 1888, Dandenong 

was a busy junction, with 

trains going ahead to Sale and to 

Tooradin. This increased the importance 

of the town as a commercial 

hub. By 1921 the electrification 

of the line was completed. 

By the turn of the century Dandenong’s 

market town economy had 

grown substantially and manufacturing 

businesses became attracted 

to the area. The Dandenong 

Ham and Bacon Factory was one 

of these. By the mid 20th Century 

Dandenong had become the industrial 

heartland for Victoria. D 


Driver protection >>> 

The recent tragic murder of an 

experienced Melbourne taxi driver 

followed by several violent attacks 

on other drivers has once again 

highlighted the need for more protection. 

(none of these cabs had 

screens fitted) Media coverage 

of the events and interviews with 

the people involved including VTD 

and VTA staff, police, taxi drivers, 

owners and even passengers have 

produced a variety of suggested 

solutions. 

A senior member of the Victorian 

Police force who has been 

taxi liaison officer for the past two 

years addressed the August 13th 

and 14th Taxi inquiry forum. He 

explained that “Target Hardening” 

was being used successfully by 

several high risk industries including 

banking. He said that several 

years ago banks were seen as a 

soft target for armed robbers Australia 

wide, but with the progressive 

addition of CCTV cameras, protective 

screens and pop up barriers 

the soft targets became hard targets, 

to the extent that you rarely 

hear of bank hold-ups these days. 

“Target hardening” can be applied 

to provide ongoing safety for 

Victorian taxi drivers quite easily 

given that all of the essentials have 

been purchased i.e. Taxi Camera, 

Taxi Driver Protection Screen, Taxi 

to Base Station Radio Alarm. The 

combination of these three with 

driver education provides both ongoing 

deterrent value and a physical 

barrier against passenger(s) attacking 

the driver. It seems logical 

to co-ordinate the use of all three 

protection strategies to transform a 

very soft target into a significantly 

harder target with each piece of 

protective equipment functioning 

as follows; 

1. The driver protection screen 

providing an obvious visible 

deterrent and a virtually unbreakable 

physical barrier 

against attack, as well as giving 

the driver more time to 

press the base station alarm 

button should a sudden attack 

eventuate. (Note. This alarm is 

often unable to be pressed 

during sudden attacks) . 

2. Once activated the Base Station 

radio alarm then becomes 

important as it will provide the 

driver with the means to summon 

help from both Police 

and other taxi drivers who 

happen to be in the immediate 

vicinity. 

3. The Taxi Camera system can 

usually be relied upon to 

provide good quality black 

and white images that may 

help Police apprehend the 

attacker(s) at some future 

date. 

4. Driver education to instruct 

drivers to remain protected by 

the screen at all times possible 

and never leave the vehicle 

to chase runners. I am aware 

of a number of taxi owners including 

at least one major taxi 

operator (with over 100 cabs) 

who have for several years 

insisted that screens remain 

fitted 24/7. I understand that 

they have not experienced a 

single driver assault to date. 

They have also experienced 

excellent driver acceptance 

of the co-ordinated protection 

provided. 

Frank Hart 

50 years taxi industry experience 

(MD Martin Meters 1971-2007) D 

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TAXI SCHOOL 

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Monitor and Manage 

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all courses are held at the Victorian Taxi Association offices 

Suite 2, 85 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 

Course 213 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Course 214 

Day 1 

Day 2 

Day 3 

Monday 8 Oct 

Tuesday 9 Oct 

Wednesday 10 Oct 

Wednesday 7 Nov 

Thursday 8 Nov 

Friiday 9 Nov 

More information... 

P: 9676 2641 

E: clients@victaxi.com.au 

W: www.victaxi.com.au 

Course fee is $1100 - Dates are subject to change. 

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There is HELP for 

VICTIMS OF 

CRIME 

Victims of Crime Counselling and 

Compensation Services Victoria....... 

Provides a free, prompt and professional compensation and 

counselling referral and support service to victims of crime. 

Crime Compensation can be up to $100,000. 

Compensation to a primary victim of crime can be to $70,000 and 

a secondary victim of crime to $60,000. 

Victims of crime eligibility 

Victims of crime may be eligible for crime compensation and other support services if: 

• You are the victim and have been directly injured as the result of a crime 

• You have suffered either physically or psychologically by the crime 

• The crime was reported to police and you have a police statement 

• The crime was committed in the last two years in Victoria, Australia. 

(Matters such as childhood sexual abuse and ongoing domestic violence may have occurred beyond two years.) 

• You are related to a victim of crime 

• Crimes that have impacted victims may include : physical assault, sexual assault, domestic 

violence, domestic abuse, armed robbery, violent robbery, aggravated burglary, child 

abuse, child sexual abuse, indecent assault, home invasion, stalking, threats to kill, 

workplace assault, murder, culpable driving, dangerous driving, road rage, breach of an 

intervention order or any other violent crime committed against a person. 

For immediate assistance 

complete the ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM NOW for immediate assistance OR 

CALL 1800 000 055 for advice. 

“Supporting the rights of Victims of Crime in Victoria, Australia” 

www.victimsofcrime.com.au 

Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services (VOCCS) is not affiliated with or a division of Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal 

(VOCAT). VOCCS is a private entity providing referral services & support to victims of crime in Victoria Australia. 



WAT VEHICLES 

MASSIVE 

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NEW TOYOTA TARAGO TAXIS 

FULLY APPROVED - IN STOCK 

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VTD 

SPRING 

SAFETY 

SEASON 

Driver safety critical in high demand season 

vtd GM - Marnie Williams 

Your guide to a safer workplace 

VICTORIAN TAXI DRIVER SAFETY 


Department of Transport 

“Your guide to a safer workplace” is available on the 

VTD website www.taxi.vic.gov.au Hard copies are 

available from the VTD Customer Services Centre 

(23/80 Collins St) or by calling 1800 638 802. 

With spring well and truly upon us, the peak demand period for the 

Victorian taxi industry has begun. Footy Finals are out of the way and 

the Spring Racing Carnival is heating up for another year. 

This is a profitable time for the industry with high demand for taxi services. 

But it is also a time when driver safety is most at risk. The VTD 

performs more camera downloads of attacks on drivers in October, November 

and December than at any other time in the year. 

Therefore, while driver safety is always critical, it is particularly important 

during the spring and summer months, when holiday revelry creates 

high demand for taxi services. 

The Victorian Taxi Directorate encourages all taxi industry participants 

to employ every measure available to them to keep drivers and passengers 

safe. 

Safety measures include... 

Driver protection screens 

Operators must make approved 

protection screens available 

to drivers at all times. Drivers 

are encouraged to use protection 

screens at all times. 

Safety cameras 

Operators and drivers must 

ensure their camera is working 

correctly at all times, and 

must not operate a taxi with a 

non-functioning safety camera. 

Look for more information 

about how to check your 

camera is working and the 

VTD’s free camera checks 

in this edition. 

Pre-paid fares 

Pre-paid fares reduce 

fare evasion and help protect 

drivers by reducing 

the likelihood of fare disputes. 

Pre-paid fares are 

mandatory between 10pm-5am 

and it is important that drivers continue 

to enforce this requirement 

by requesting pre-payment of the 

estimated fare before each trip. 

M13 Alarm 

Every cab has an emergency 

M13 alarm that, when activated, 

gives the depot a direct twoway 

radio line to the taxi. Drivers 

should know where their M13 

alarm is in their taxi and make sure 

they know the emergency procedure. 

Most importantly, drivers need 

to be aware of their surroundings 

and use their judgement. 

It is incumbent on all of us to ensure 

the festive season is a safe 

and happy one. D 



Stakeholder 

survey 

results 

In the September edition of Taxi Talk we 

mentioned that earlier in the year we conducted 

a stakeholder survey. The survey 

is now available at the VTD website: www. 

taxi.vic.gov.au. 

As a result of the comprehensive feedback 

we received, the VTD has formulated 

an action plan. This covers many areas of 

our business. 

For example in relation to responses 

about the level of satisfaction with printed 

forms, we are reviewing our collateral to 

present information. 

One of the questions in the survey 

centred around responsiveness to 

queries. As a result, our Accessible 

Transport Services area is providing 

refresher training to staff in regards to 

processing of applications in MPTP 

and an online manual to create consistency 

across the team. We encourage 

open communication between 

applicant and Doctor to resolve more 

complex applications in shorter time 

frames. 

Another question asked respondents 

the way they prefer to receive 

information from the VTD - 79% of 

respondents prefer to be contacted 

by email. Respondents also 

said that they wanted to receive 

updates more frequently. Consequently 

we have continued to 

encourage industry participants to provide 

their electronic contact details. Recently we created an 

online registration page on our website for this purpose, as 

well as other hard copy e-details forms. We are currently developing 

eNewsletters for the taxi industry, hire car industry 

and passengers. We plan to release our first taxi eNewsletter 

in October. 

In relation to the satisfaction with the quality of VTD communication 

tools – only 30% of respondents gave a favourable 

response to Drive Time and 43% gave a favourable response 

to Taxi Bulletin. As a result we have reviewed these 

two publications and have merged them into a new print 

publication called CabChat. We will send this to industry 

stakeholders for whom we do not have e-details. We will 

also include another hard copy e-details registration form, 

as we are seeking all industry participants to provide us their 

e-details, as we plan to phase out our printed newsletter over 

time. We want to be able to offer more regular and targeted 

communications to the industry via the eNewsletters which 

will link to related information on the VTD website. 

One piece of feedback from the NSPs was that there was 

a lack of engagement from the VTD. Our Transport Safety 

& Compliance team has responded by planning monthly 

meetings with the two largest NSP’s (13CABS and Silvertop), 

quarterly meetings with medium sized NSP’ (West Suburban, 

Dear Valued Stakeholder, 

I would like to thank you for taking time to respond to our 2012 

Stakeholder Survey. The 48% response rate was excellent and 

shows your interest in taking the time to provide the Victoria Taxi 

Directorate (VTD) with important feedback. 

The survey has enabled us to have a more accurate picture of 

how you feel about the VTD. Specifically, the survey results have 

provided us with detailed information regarding the VTD’s 

communication levels and engagement with you. 

Your feedback comes at a time when the Victorian Government 

is undertaking a major review of the taxi and hire car industries. 

To facilitate this, the Government established the Taxi Industry 

Inquiry (TII) to make recommendations on industry reforms 

which are yet to be finalised. 

Following a comprehensive review being undertaken by the TII, 

the VTD will transition into the Taxi Services Commission who 

will assume the ongoing role of industry regulator and take your 

feedback forward. 

The Leadership Team and I have taken time to reflect on your 

feedback and the themes that arise from it. 

You have told us the way to enhance your engagement with us is 

to increase the speed of responses to queries and continue to 

communicate and maintain transparency around issues that 

affect you. 

We should also not overlook the areas you perceive the VTD 

performing moderately well in: staff treating you well; and being 

given the correct advice. 

It is important to recognise that this is a journey – not a ‘quick 

fix’ – and together we will not lose sight of the bigger picture. 

From here we plan to: 

Identify improvements that will have impact in the short 

term 

Develop an action plan on the key issues we need to 

improve on 

Follow through and communicate the results to you 

The Leadership Team and I remain committed to improving the 

way we engage and communicate with you. 

Thanks again for your feedback! 

Marnie Williams 

General Manager 


Victorian Taxi Directorate Stakeholder Survey 

2012 Results 

Dandenong, Frankston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong etc) and 

at least one visit a year to all NSP’s in the state. It is hoped 

that this will bolster relationships and improve communications. 

There was also feedback about ‘on road inspections’ by 

our Transport Safety Officer’s around consistency, showing 

respect, decent manners and notices for minor matters. As 

a result, our Transport Safety & Compliance division is conducting 

refresher training in regards to the correct application 

of the operations manual and the consistent application 

of relevant regulations and policy. 

These are a subsection of some of the items in our action 

plan, which we hope will address the views of industry participants. 

We welcome your feedback on our progress towards 

a more professional engagement with the taxi industry. We 

will be conducting another survey next year, so will be keen 

to improve on these results. 

To those of you who responded to our survey this year 

- thank you for your participation. We sent it to all industry 

participants for whom we had e-details, so a greater number 

of you should receive our email survey next year! D 

Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi Industry October 2012 | 25 

1 

1 

As a part of our commitment to the continuous improvement in 

areas of stakeholder engagement and communication, 

stakeholders were asked to complete a survey in April 2012. 

Insync Surveys, a specialist survey firm was engaged by the VTD 

to conduct the survey on its behalf. 

The overall response rate for the survey was a very pleasing 

48% (547 responses). This is a high response rate when 

compared to results of other stakeholder surveys conducted by 

Insync Surveys (30-35%). 

Demographics 

The majority of respondents were from greater metropolitan 

Melbourne (78%) and have been interacting with the VTD for 

10 years or more (37%). 

The majority of the stakeholders were from the VTD regulated 

industries and industry associations (63%). 

40% 

20% 

0% 

80% 

60% 

63% 

37% 

17% 

20% 

Stakeholder group 

11% 

9% 

7% 

6% 

3% 1% 0% 

VTD regulated Service Government Currently VTD Advocacy and Associated Registered Unspecified 

industries + provide (Those 

Taxi Driver / representative organisations Training 

Industry who supply 

Operator / groups 

Organisations 

Associations goods or 

Fleet Forum or 

services to the 

DPTAC 

VTD) 

members 

5% 

15% 

78% 

Locality 

How long have you been 

interacting with VTD? 

28% 

Greater metropolitan 

Melbourne 

Country Victoria 

Interstate 

Less than 2 years 

2-5 years 

5-10 years 

10+ years

VTD Enforcement >>> 

Photo ID now for all drivers 

On 3 September 2012, the rollout of photo identification in non-metropolitan areas was completed. Every 

driver in Victoria is now required to display their driver photo card while providing taxi services, and all operators 

must now have installed their driver photo card stand / holder. Any drivers or operators who are unclear 

of their obligations with regard photo identification are encouraged to contact the VTD on 1800 638 802. D 

E-details 

The Victorian Taxi Directorate 

(VTD) has launched an online 

e-details form to help communicate 

more regularly with taxi 

industry participants and the 

Victorian community. 

So if you haven’t yet provided the VTD with your 

email or phone number, jump on to www.taxi.vic.gov. 

au and click the ‘register your e-details’ tab on the 

right. 

It only takes a minute and it will keep you up to 

date with what’s going on at the VTD. D 

WE’VE KNOCKED 

OFF OUR METER. 

All Cabbies get 15% off at Pie Face! 

Thats 15% off coffees, baked-daily 

pastries, sweets, delicious pies, 

sausage rolls and sandwiches. 

OPEN 24/7* 

*At most Pie Face Stores. 

www.pieface.com.au 

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Must show taxi driver identification to redeem discount. 

Lost or stolen 

licence plates 

There has been a change to the way that 

the VTD processes Metropolitan and Urban 

applications for replacement plates. The VTD 

will no longer inspect replacement decals at 

80 Collins Street, Melbourne. You will now be 

required to attend the Transport Inspection 

Centre at Melbourne Airport. 

The new process 

Below is the best way for you to obtain replacement 

plates from the VTD. 

1. Contact Accreditation and Licensing – 

Vehicle Licensing on 1800 638 802 and 

advise them you require replacement 

plates. At this point the VTD will provide 

you with a new plate number. 

2. Have the current decals on the vehicle 

updated to the new plate number. 

3. Attend the VTD along with an application 

for replacement of lost or stolen plates 

along with a police report or statutory 

declaration stating that the existing plates 

were lost or stolen. Please note the police 

report must list the existing plate number. 

4. The VTD will issue you with the replacement 

plates and you will be able to operate 

the vehicle. 

5. Attend the Taxi Inspection Centre at Melbourne 

Airport within 7 days of receiving 

your replacement plates to have your vehicle 

inspected. D 



mailbag 

Transparency 

and Trust 

There has been a lack of transparency 

and trust for a long time in 

the taxi industry. 

In the early days it was mainly 

between the regulator and the industry. 

In those days it was relatively 

easy for the industry to keep 

the regulator in the dark about 

earnings, service to the public, etc. 

because it was mainly a cash business 

and computers were yet to be 

used extensively in the industry. 

All this changed in the last decade 

and neither the industry nor 

the Government used this golden 

opportunity to act in a more transparent 

manner and build a relationship 

of trust and co-operation. 

There are many relationships in the 

taxi industry and I wish to examine 

a few of them to show why we 

have reached the present state of 

affairs. 

Most operators of a taxi business 

now act in a transparent manner 

and will openly and honestly 

discuss income, expenditure, as 

well as profit and loss. There might 

be some who will not do so and 

they should probably not be in the 

industry. 

The Government can be looked 

at on two different levels “the policy 

makers and the administrators 

of these policies”. It is absolutely 

clear that the policy makers of the 

last Government did not act in a 

transparent manner when they introduced 

the peak service licences 

and recently another 530 licences. 

The sole reason for the introduction 

of these licences was the raising 

of revenue for the Government 

and others and not for the benefit 

of taxi drivers and the public. This 

action of deceit obviously did not 

encourage an environment of trust. 

The VTD (administrators of Government 

policy) had to cope for 

many years with an industry that 

did not act in a transparent manner 

and therefore trust and co-operation 

suffered greatly. There are at 

present very good signs that this is 

changing. 

The network service providers 

used to be called depots and were 

the same people that operated the 

taxi business. In those days the depots 

and the operators of the taxi 

business acted in an environment 

of transparency and trust. 

Unfortunately those days are 

now long gone and the NSP’s, licence 

holders, operators and drivers 

seem to be more interested in 

their own agendas than working 

in an environment of transparency, 

trust and co-peration, for the benefit 

of the public and the whole industry. 

One of the most blatant examples 

of this is the fact that the 

NSP’s are not issuing a detailed invoice 

for the services they provide. 

The NSP’s certainly do not act in 

a transparent manner and an environment 

of trust is sadly missing. 

Last and not least we can have 

a look at the taxi industry inquiry. 

Most people in the industry did 

trust Professor Fels to conduct 

an inquiry into the industry for the 

betterment of the public and the 

industry. 

Many people provided the inquiry 

with factual evidence of what 

was happening in the industry, only 

to find that these facts were either 

totally ignored or misinterpreted in 

order to fit preconceived ideas or 

predetermined agendas. The industry 

certainly now does not trust 

Professor Fels to recommend to 

the Government solutions that will 

lead to a better service to the public 

or a superior taxi industry. 

There are many more interest 

groups in the taxi industry and 

there is often a conflict of interest. 

It is only in an environment of transparency 

and trust that meaningful 

discussion can take place. I, for 

one, hope that our present Government 

makes decisions that will 

lead to this environment of transparency, 

trust and co-operation. It 

is this environment that can make 

the Victorian Taxi Industry the best 

and cheapest in the world and the 

envy of other countries. 

Hans Altoff - owner operator D 


spring racing 

carnival 

The Spring Racing Carnival showcases all that is great about Victoria with 

meetings staged in both the capital city of Melbourne and at picturesque 

country racecourses over the breadth of the state. 

Experience Australia’s 

Premier Horse Racing 

Carnival combining 

superb racing with 

fashion, entertainment and 

excitement. 

Over 650,000 people, 

including many 

international and 

interstate visitors, 

attended the Spring 

Racing Carnival in 2011. 

Saturday 6 October Flemington 

Turnbull Stakes $500,000 2000m 

Edward Manifold Stakes $220,000 1600m 

Saturday 13 October Caulfield 

Caulfield Guineas $1m 1600m 

Caulfield Stakes $400,000 2000m 

Wednesday 17 October Caulfld 

Thousand Guineas $500,000 1600m 

Saturday 20 October Caulfield 

Cauilfeld Cup $2.5m 2400m 

Friday 26 October Moonee Valley 

Manikato Stakes $750,000 1200m 

Saturday 27 October Moonee Valley 

WS Cox Plate $3m 2040m 

Moonee Valley Cup $250,000 2500m 

Saturday 3 November Flemington 

AAMI Victoria Derby $1.5m 2500m 

Tuesday 6 November Flemington 

Emirates Melbourne Cup $6.2m 3200m 

Thursday 8 November Flemington 

Crown Oaks $1m 2500m 

Saturday 10 November Flemington 

Emirates Stakes $1m 1600m 

The pinnacle is the Emirates Melbourne Cup, worth 

an outstanding 6.2 million dollars in prize money. The 

Cup is affectionately known as “the race that stops a 

nation’. 

Over 20 million Australians, stop to watch the great 

race on the first Tuesday of November each year, as 

well as many millions more around the globe. 

Standing amongst a crowd of 100,000 plus enthusiastic 

racegoers trackside at Flemington Racecourse 

cheering wildly as the horses thunders to the lead in 

the shadows of the winning post is an experience that 

many can only dream of. 

The Spring Racing Carnival is not just about the 

Melbourne Cup though. It thrives on a range of marquee 

races including the BMW Caulfield Cup and the 

Sportingbet Cox Plate. 



The Caulfield Cup Carnival is a gem in Victoria’s 

Racing Calendar. Witness unmissable days 

of racing, fashion and entertainment. Each year 

the Caulfield Spring Racing Carnival delivers one 

of the most highly anticipated premier events on 

the Australian sporting and social calendar. Expert 

punters and the newly initiated gather for 

four heart-stopping days of exceptional racing 

and unmatched hospitality. 

This October heralds the first ever Cox Plate 

Carnival, with two of the most spectacular and 

prestigious events on the Australian Racing Calendar. 

At Moonee Valley on Friday night October 

26, night racing steps up to another level with 

the running of the Group 1 Sportingbet Manikato 

Stakes. The next day sees Australasia’s greatest 

Weight-For-Age Championship race take over 

the Valley, the $3 million Group 1 Sportingbet 

Cox Plate – The Race Where Legends Are Made. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the highlight of 

the sporting calendar for Victorians, Australians 

and many overseas racing fans. 

In its 152nd year, the Melbourne Cup Carnival 

is truly the most vibrant racing event in the world 

and the ultimate expression of what Melbourne 

is renowned for – sport, food, wine, business, 

social interaction and fashion – all connected by 

four unparalleled days of thoroughbred racing. 

AAMI Victoria Derby Day is the first day of the 

Melbourne Cup Carnival and is considered one 

of the most prestigious days of racing in Australasia, 

featuring four races at the elite Group 

1 level. 

The A$6.2 million Emirates Melbourne Cup is 

the focal point of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

While most of Australia stops to watch or listen to 

the 3200m race, there’s nothing like being there 

amongst the 100,000 plus crowd to experience 

this unique event. 

Popularly referred to as ‘ladies day’, Crown 

Oaks Day is known as the ultimate style day of 

the Carnival. Women of all ages come together 

dressed in their most feminine ensemble. 

The Melbourne Cup Carnival concludes its 

festivities with Emirates Stakes Day and the 

meeting has a relaxed atmosphere and is recognised 

as the Carnival’s ‘Family Day’. 

While the action on the track is breathtaking it 

is often the off-track experience that attracts visitors 

as Melbourne’s entire population becomes 

obsessed with Spring Racing Carnival passion. 

From enticing cultural and fashion events, and 

city streets and lane ways abuzz with excitement, 

Melbourne truly comes alive in Spring. D 


TAXI 

$480,000 

transfers 

Number of Taxi 

Licences September 1, 2012 

METROPOLITAN 4,334 

(including 506 WAT vehicles ) 

country 522 

(including 114 WAT vehicles) 

OUTER SUBURBAN 161 


URBAN 237 

(Ballarat - Bendigo - Geelong) 


TOTAL 5,254 


Number of drivers 

Active drivers 

Accredited drivers 

16,000 APPROX 

24,000 APPROX 

Compliance 

outcomes (August 2012) 

Taxi Inspections 2112 

Rectification Notices 355 

Infringement Notices 162 

Notices of Unroadworthiness 18 

Official Warnings 27 

ASSIGNMENTS 

metro taxis 84 

licence transfers 

metro taxis 3 

urban 0 

country taxis 0 

hire car licences 6 

special licences 4 

licenceS issued 

taxi licences 1 

hire car licences 2 

special vehicles 4 

RH vehicles 3 

licences TRADED BY 

assignMENT = 964 

(August 2011 - August 2012) 

Number of 

Victorian Hire Vehicle 

Licences September 1 2012 

Metropolitan Hire Cars 921 

Country Hire Cars 66 

Special Purpose Vehicles 856 

Restricted Hire Cars 630 

TOTAL 2,473 

$51,510 

avg metro licence transfer value

FREE 

safety 

camera 

checks 

The Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) offers free taxi safety camera checks at the 

VTD Taxi inspection Centre at Melbourne Airport. 

The audit includes assessment of camera memory storage and alignment but 

does not include repairs or maintenance. All audits require a booking. Please call 

(03) 9338 9654 to secure an appointment. 

It is essential that drivers and operators ensure that the safety camera is operating 

in their taxi at all times. It is illegal to operate a taxi fitted with a camera system that 

is not fully functional. 

Your camera is working if you can see the following: 

• Green steady light Camera system is ON and ready 

• Green fast blink Camera system storing images 

• • 

• • 

Red/Green slow blink Camera system is in sleep mode* 

Single Red blink + 

Green fast blink 

Event marker activated (eg: door opened 

or meter / duress alarm activated) 

*The camera will go into sleep mode when the ignition is turned off and there have 

been no trigger events for 30+ minutes. The camera will ‘wake up’ as soon as an 

event occurs such as a door opening 

Your camera is NOT working if you see the following: 

• No light Camera system has no power 

• 

Red slow or fast blink There is a fault in the camera system 

For more information about taxi safety cameras in Victoria visit the Victorian Taxi 

Directorate website www.taxi.vic.gov.au D 


Classified 

Classified 

Classified 

KIA TAXI FOR SALE 

ADVERTISEMENTS 

Taxi KIA - 2008 model with 

government licence. 

Call Eastmoor Taxis on 

9555 7777 - Raj or 

0430 202 878 - Igor. 

EXPERIENCED SILVERTOP 

TAXI DRIVER REQUIRED 

Changeover - Rowville. Ring Tony 0413 393 594. 

2 TOYOTA 2011 

CAMRY HYBRIDS 

FOR SALE 

Both are painted yellow, 

have RWC, very low mileage 

& ready for taxi fitout. 

$20,500 each. lmct 9449. 

Phone 03 9315 1500 

advertise here 

$ 

25 

for 30 words 

fOR SALE 

TAXI LICENCE 

IN PORTLAND 

$150,000. Phone 

or fax for details 03 

5521 7248 or email 

bobwest73@hotmail. 

com 

VISA MIGRATION 

Permanent resident 

For the professional advice you need - 

contact Ray Brown, Migration Agent today. 

Reg # 0213358 Phone: 5792 4056 

Mobile: 0409 169 147 

Email: raybrown888@bigpond.com 

taxi licence for sale 

10 years govt fixed until Nov 2020. With 

Ford Falcon FG XT 2009. Excellent condition. 

$200,000 ono. Phone owner/driver 

on 0420 248 764 

viCroads liCensed taxi tester 

Quality service - low price selik automotive Car Care 

mechanic repair for all makes and models. For all your taxi 

services call 03 9354 7977. Location Coburg. 

SET PRICE MAXI TAXIS 

Maxi Taxis with permanent runs 

on set price. (Mon-Fri set price 

or Weekly set price.) Permanent 

runs are in Northern suburbs and 

Eastern suburbs. Conventional 

taxis also on set price. Phone 

9555 7777 for more information. 

GRAND OPENING 

GRAND OPENING 

GRAND OPENING 

TULLA TYRES 

PUNCTURE REPAIRS $15 

3D LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT $25 

taxis only special price 

COMPUTER WHEEL BALANCE $5 

BATTERIES from $135 

SpECIAl pRICES foR TAxIS 

9939 7621 

TULLA TYRES 

NEW CAB TYRES 

195 60 15 $ 85 

195 65 15 $ 85 

205 65 15 $ 75 

215 60 16 $ 80 

225 50 16 $115 

225 55 16 $120 

225 60 16 $105 

225 70 16 $140 

225 50 17 $120 

225 55 17 $120 

235 60 17 $165 

235 50 17 $120 

235 45 17 $ 95 

245 45 17 $125 

225 40 18 $110 

235 40 18 $110 

245 40 18 $125 

245 45 18 $130 

245 35 19 $125 

185 R14 $ 75 LT 

195 R14 $ 85 LT 

195 R15 $100 LT 

BUY DIRECT 

AND SAVE 

FREE 

Rotation 

& Balance 

every 10,000kms 

with every 4 

new tyres 

TULLA_1012 

20 GARDEN DRIVE TULLAMARINE 

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 3pm 



To advertise in 

Magazine 

TAXI TALK 

Voice of the Taxi Industry 

ADVERTISE 

call Toni or Stan on 

IN 9807 NEXT 0237 

MONTH’S 

TAXI TALK 

MAGAZINE 

Contact Toni Peters at 

Trade Promotions Pty Ltd 

P (03) 9807 0237 

E info@taxitalk.com.au 

F (03) 9807 3401 

Book your 

Taxi inspection now. 

Road Safety Inspections has dedicated taxi 

inspectors who provide you with the ultimate 

taxi inspection service completed in under 

an hour. 

Included in our service is: 

• On-site vehicle registration 

• Clearance of of unroadworthy and and defect defect notices notices 

• Spare Annual parts Roadworthy for minor repairs Inspections - at cost 

Call Road Safety Inspections now on 

9646 3362 to book an appointment. 

Same day appointments 

available. 

www.busvic.asn.au 

To advertise in 

Magazine 

TAXI TALK 

Voice of the Taxi Industry 

SPECIALIST 

Service. 

Sales. 

Support. 

CENTRALDIFFS 

DIFFERENTIAL RECONDITIONING 

SAME DAY 

TAXI SERVICE 

9555 0933 

45 Fairview Street, 

Springvale 

call Toni or Stan on 

9807 0237 

Clive St 

Princess Highway 

Centre Road 

FAIRVIEW ST 

Hope St 

Springvale Road 

taxi service guide 

CD1210 


11-27 October 2012 

Melbourne Festival has relocated to the heart of 

the city and its arts precinct, Federation Square. This 

move places the Festival in Melbourne’s centre for 

creativity, cultural diversity, festivals and community 

participation – alongside many of the city’s other arts 

organizations. 

The space features a large, open plan workspace, to 

encourage collaborative and creative work practices, 

and to accommodate both full time staff and the contingent 

of event staff during the Festival period. 

The move heralds a new era for the Festival under 

the direction of a dynamic new team. 

The 2012 Melbourne Festival runs from 11-27 October, 

and is the fourth and final program from Artistic 

Director, Brett Sheehy. It features 18 world premieres 

and 34 Australian premieres from some of the finest local 

and international artists in a program of 77 shows, 

events and projects over 17 days. For full program details 

visit www.melbournefestival.com.au D 

Voice 


TAXI 

magazine 

Advertisers’ Directory 

Alex Taxi & Broker 15 

Blue Star Taxi’s 5 

CabFare 11 

Central Diffs 33 

Cover Up Car Accessories 12 

Flashcab 23 

For Sale 8 

GLV Motors 21 

Live Taxi Epay 7 

Martin Meters 36 

Metro Club Inc 15 

Metropolitan Taxi Club 35 

Pie Face 26 

Punjab Motor Works 1 

Road Safety Inspections 33 

Schmidt Electronic Labs 13 

Southern Cross Business 

Finance 10 

Taxicare Australia 2-3 

Tulla Tyres 32 

United 9 

Yarra Finance 21 



Melbourne’s Premier 

TAXI 

COVER PROTECTION 

METROPOLITAN 

taxi club inc. 

We offer the best club conditions and 

protection cover package in the industry 

No joining fee. 

Best TSO rebate* 

Thanks to all our members for choosing us! 

We appreciate your business and the opportunity 

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coming years. 

third party and 

legal liability cover 

up to $30,000,000 

Modern workshop to 

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• Lower annual contributions 

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360 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BRUNSWICK 

Phone: 9388 0722 Fax: 9388 0711 

Email: vi@metropolitantaxiclub.com.au 

daniel@metropolitantaxiclub.com.au 

*conditions apply

Australian Designed 

& Manufactured 

A

October 2012 - Taxi Talk Magazine

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