May 2013 - Taxi Talk Magazine

ing to conduct roadworthy vehicle checks on their vehicle
every 28 days because this is the life of a roadworthy inspection.
SECTION 3 - PROPOSED ALTERNATIVE
SUBSTITUTE TAXI PROGRAM
A much simpler system or process is possible that
achieves the same outcomes the VTD program is designed
to achieve. The simpler process would also reduce the direct
and administrative costs to both the industry and the
VTD.
While the process suggested here would require some
refinement it would broadly work in the following manner:
1. The operator of the taxi-cab provide the VTD with information
via email similar to that outlined in DOT point 3 of
substitute taxi program.
(3) Taxi-cab operators seeking to substitute a vehicle in
place of a licensed vehicle will be required to complete an
application form, providing particulars of:
• The licensed vehicle undergoing repair,
including:
• details of the repair;
• evidence of the repairs to be carried out
(such as a letter from the repairer);
• The period of time for the repair to be
completed; and
• The registered substitute vehicle, including:
• details of the vehicle to be substituted onto
the licence; and
• registration number.
2. The VTD issue an approval for substitution of vehicle but
include guidelines as set out in DOT points 7, 8 and 9 (9
excluding point c).
(7) The authorisation notice issued will include a clause
stating that the authorisation will only apply until the earlier of:
• the expiry of the authorisation notice; or
• the date on which the licensed vehicle is repaired and
resumes operating as a taxi-cab.
(8) The authorisation notice will also note that failure to
comply with the conditions of the notice will be a relevant
consideration for future applications for an authorisation to
substitute a vehicle under section 151 of the Act.
(9) The authorisation notice will only be issued where a
substitute can meet all the terms and conditions of the licence
in respect of the original vehicle, including but not
limited to:
a. where the licence is a WAT, that the substitute vehicle
is a WAT,
b. that the substitute vehicle is registered in the name of
the operator, and
c. that the vehicle is roadworthy and meets the vehicle
passenger standards for taxi-cabs.
d. that the vehicle is fitted with dispatch equipment for the
NSP that the licensed vehicle is currently affiliated with.
3. The VTD can audit the operator at a time of its choosing
to ensure the substituted vehicle and the substitute vehicle
were not working as a taxi-cab at the same time. The Primary
Network Service Provider (PNSP) is able to provide
this information. Before requesting the PNSP provide the
required information the VTD should ensure that they are
not already in possession of the relevant data as a result of
normal PNSP reporting requirements.
The VTA are of the view that a process in line with what is described above would be far more
efficient and beneficial to customers and the industry than the substitute taxi program, but
importantly no less effective in indentifying the misuse of ST vehicles. The VTA are happy to continue
to work with the VTD on the design and implementation of such a process.D
Taxi Talk - Voice of the Taxi Industry May 2013 | 27