WA Taxi News - Taxi Council of Western Australia

From the CEO
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
Legislative change for cars impounded
under hoon legislation does little to
alleviate the ongoing pressure on
operators of commercial vehicles. Why not
kill two problems with the same action and
correct the injustices of both pieces of
legislation.
Commercial vehicles are still at risk of
impoundment on the spot for 28 days if
found to be driven by driver with a
suspended license, and yet the
Government offers no fool proof method
for commercial operators to be assured of
current status of licenses.
The greatest administrative responsibility
and burden of proof rests with the vehicle
operator to ensure their business remains
viable. Operators of taxis have been
advised by the regulator that they should
compel drivers to approve access to their
license information for regular checking
through the Transport website. Whilst
helpful, this doesn't withstand a driver's
licence changing within a 24 hour period.
Best practise administration one day can be
null and void the next if a court imposed
suspension kicks in shortly after a routine
online check or suspension list distribution.
Nor does it help if a driver not approved by
the owner is in charge of the vehicle.
An impounded taxi does not just punish the
unlicensed driver but rather threatens the
economic viability of the vehicle operator
and other drivers associated with the
vehicle.
Minister Johnson did respond but he didn't
say yes to our request for change to the
impounding of vehicles found to be driven
by unlisenced driver. But it just took one
Lamborgini to change the hoon laws. Let's
not wait for a request for a vehicle to be
released under the hardship clause refused,
and no right of appeal causing the same
debate to rage all over again.
The legislation needs to recognise the rights
of the owner of the vehicle if that person is
not the driver at fault. There needs to be a
capacity for commercial vehicles be
swapped with the suspended driver's
5
Ms Olwyn Williams
Chief Executive Officer
private vehicle, capacity for court action to
release the vehicle or the criteria for
consideration of severe hardship appeals
be broadened to clearly include
commercial hardship.
Olwyn Williams
Chief Executive Officer

Mailbox Out
Was it Fare enough?
Is a 0.97% increase to taxi fares in 2009 fair enough? The Taxi
Council of WA (TCWA) held an extraordinary meeting on 17
December 2009 to discuss its industry position. It was the
unanimous view of Council that the fare increase
recommended by the Department of Transport's (DoT)
Metropolitan Fare Model (MFM) did not reflected the
increased cost of operating a taxi service in 2009 and even more
so given it provided nil value to vehicle operators and drivers
given the cost of a meter change.
The MFM referred to in the DoT media release on 10 December
2009 was created by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) for DoT
across 2008/09. There were 6 stakeholder groups involved – 2
taxi industry organisations and four State Government bodies.
DoT have confirmed that the only party involved in those
stakeholder meetings that did not approve the MFM was THE
TAXI COUNCIL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
There were a number of reasons TCWA didn't sign off on the
proposed model. TCWA submitted to the DoT on 2 June 2009, a
5 page letter protesting major technical issues and highlighting
concerns with the assumptions and calculations within the
model. The purpose of this response was to continue to inform
the development of a relevant fare model.
With the fare model vital to industry viability, TCWA was very
clear in its communication to DoT that it took issue with the
significant structural and technical issues of the MFM. But were
those issues taken on board? Not this time but apparently it
may be referred to “when fares or driver incomes are brought
under consideration again”.
Twelve TCWA Concerns Still Awaiting a Response
1. The starting point of the model may not be correct. The MFM
presumed the current rates to be indexed were correct and that
there was a fair initial relationship between current fares and
the current costs of the Perth metropolitan taxi industry. Any
assessment of current fare structure as being “correct” didn't
appear to be in the scope of the report but it is a pretty
fundamental requirement if you were looking for a satisfactory
outcome for taxi operators.
2. The report based its existing costs on the normal/average
costs per set of conventional plates/taxi cab but did not
articulate what that average represented.
6
3. Based on interest rates only, the vehicle
financing cost escalator was incomplete and did not consider
the principal, or the fit out costs of a taxi, a fundamental cost of
set up.
4. While there is a cost escalator model, it does not state how
overall cost escalations would translate into fare changes.
5. Given that cost elements of the industry escalate at different
rates MFM does not state whether the proportions will be
adjusted every year to deal with that or whether they will be
adjusted only at less frequent review times.
6. There were no specific ground rules for changing the fare
structure.
7. The model acknowledges the differences in operational
environments between the States but then adopts, without
adjustment, the information and data provided by the
examples set in other states. The differences relate principally
to the size of the different capital city markets.
8. There were flaws in the calculations representing total
averages.
9. In calculating average income per taxi, 'Normal/average'
operations of a taxi are not explicit or fully defined. The income
from a taxi is dependent on the number of hours it is on the
road, how many drivers there are and how many driver shifts
are worked and whether it is a restricted use taxi cab.
10. There was no assessment as to whether the driver labour
and other driver costs were reasonable. The implicit hourly
rate used (including superannuation) was $16 per hour for 12
hour shifts, six days per week, 52 days per year.
11. Operational costs of repairs and maintenance are
understated. Calculated by using kilometres travelled the
MFM was based on the cheaper Sydney rates rather than the
cost of repair of a city of similar geographic size to Perth. e.g
Brisbane.
12. Data samples were small and skewed calculations within
the MFM.
We may really never know if constructive industry feedback
does have a place in the determination of the cost structures of
the industry

The primary issue that has fed the industry uproar and its use
in the 2009 fare increase is the extreme lack of transparency in
process, decision making, and lack of information behind the
range, scope and loading of the data used, terms of reference
and specific industry issues e.g fuel and/or insurance.
Because of the lack of transparency in the Metropolitan Fare
Model, the Taxi Council of Western Australia unanimously
agreed that the MFM should be rescinded. In its place, fare
increases be based on CPI with adjustments to reflect
extraordinary increases to operating costs (e.g sustained
increases in fuel costs and insurance.)
CPI, with adjustments to reflect extraordinary increases, is
preferred because it is calculated by an external and
independent body that provided details of contributing factors
to major trends. CPI has a public profile of reflecting the rising
costs of living.
Recognition of extraordinary expenses enables industry
specific cost issues to be dealt with. By example, general
insurance costs for the community at large may not have
increased but an increase in taxi industry insurance claims may
drive the industry policy price up, as it did in 2009.
The September quarter annual CPI is announced in the final
week of October each year. The annual fare adjustment would
be announced on 15 November for implementation on 1
December, providing timely notice to the industry.
TIAIB are your Taxi Insurance Specialists
Providing immediate cover with excess
options, prompt local claims service and
competitive pricing.
Call Andrew or Stuart on 9426 0444
Taxi Industry (Australia)
Insurance Brokers
A division of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Ltd
Level 6 / 256 St Georges Tce, Perth
GPO Box E201, Perth 6841
ABN: 69 009 098 964 - AFS Licence No 226827
7
Such a formula takes away the guess work and waiting game for
the industry, there is certainty in its timing and a special feature
is that it would take the onus of responsibility away from the
Department or Minister.
Perth CPI for at the September quarter was 1.2%. While close to
the 0.97% fare increase, the issue of the extraordinary taxi
industry insurance increases would be factored in to the final
increase. Over time larger annual CPI increases would even out
low CPI years such as 2009.
TCWA Chairman, Kevin Foley took TCWA's concerns to a
meeting with the Minister for Transport on Monday 21
December to express the Industry's deep dissatisfaction with
the Model and the fare increase. The Minister was also
presented with an outline of the TCWA preferred, and very
simple, mode of calculating fare increases – one that would be
understood by passengers, drivers, operators, politicians,
bureaucrats and one that would occur at the same time every
year and generally reflect increases to cost of living and
operation. The campaign continues. (TCWA)
TAXI FARE INCREASES ACROSS THE NATION
Queensland..................................................................Nil
Victoria.........................................................................Nil
Northern Territory....................................................... Nil
New South Wales......................................................4.2%
South Australia..........................................................5.0%
Australian Capital Territory........................................3.9%
Western Australia....................................................0.97%

REGIONAL ISSUES
By the Western Australian Country Taxi Operators Association
elcome to all our country taxi
Woperators to our first edition of
REGIONAL ISSUES. Western Australian
Country Taxi Operators Association (
WACTOA) has recently negotiated with
the Taxi Council of W.A. and the Taxi
council have agreed to a membership
that features:
1. Affiliate membership with the
Australian Taxi Industry Association
2. One free full page editorial in the
bi-monthly magazine “WA TAXI
NEWS”.
3. One position on TCWA for a
WACTOA representative or
nominated individual.
4. Access to advisory services, events
and support of Taxi Council of W.A.
5. Copies of W.A. Taxi News for
distribution to country taxi
association members.
I would like to thank Kevin Foley and the
committee of TCWA for accepting
WACTOA and hope that we can work
together to maintain and continue to
improve the standard and conditions for
all WA taxi owners and operators.
For those of you that are not familiar
with the role of WACTOA, it is a
committee of representatives from most
country regions from as far north as
Derby to south at Esperance. We meet
once per year in Perth for an AGM and
during the year meet via telephone
conferences. We lobby the Dept. of
Transport and government (Minister for
Transport – Mr. Simon O'Brien) on
various issues that affect us in regional
W.A.
Unfortunately in the past some
governments have not been able to
recognize that taxis do exist outside of
the metro area, so it has often been a
hard grind to achieve some of our
requests. However with constant
perseverance we have been able to gain
success with issues such as –
• Wheelchair subsidies and fees
(parity with metro)
• Booking fee on meter
• Ultra peak surcharge
• Deletion of non transferable plates
In the past we are aware that we have
not kept everyone up to date with what
has been happening, however with the
exposure of “Taxi News” we hope we can
improve this situation.
Our secretary is currently in the process
of sending out membership forms and I
would ask you to please complete them
and return with the 12 months
membership fee. It is a very simple
membership fee structure that assists
with the basic costs of running the
Association and covering costs such as
the TCWA affiliation.
1 car - $60.00 plus $10.00 for each
licence plate after that. Eg. 5 cars =
$100.00
W.A. Taxi News is a bi-monthly magazine
and we encourage all members to write
into the magazine with any issues of
interest in either the taxi industry or
even anything that is happening in your
town eg. Events (sporting, cultural,
displays etc.) that you may think of
interest. We would like to think our
REGIONAL ISSUES page can be successful
in providing information to all and we
can keep filling up the page of each issue.
The magazine also encourages
advertisers, so if any business in your
region shows any interest please refer
them on to the CEO- Olwyn Williams.
8
If you have any queries or issues you
would like to discuss feel free to contact
your local representative in your area.
Geraldton - Midwest
Rob Farrell
(President)
Broome - Kimberley
Ross Lampard
(Vice President)
Derby - West Kimberley
Wayne Holland
Bunbury - Southwest
Doug Slater
(Treasurer)
Kalgoorlie - Goldfields
Alana Saint
(Secretary)
Esperance
Darryl Appleyard
Albany - Great Southern
Tim O'Donnell
(TCWA Rep)
We hope that you will all show support for
WACTOA in the way of membership and
we as a committee will continue to strive
to make our industry a better, safe and
viable work place.
WATOA looks forward to making contact
in the in early 2010.
Robbie Farrell
President WACTOA.

John Kosick - 2009 Taxi Driver of the Year
ohn Kosick has been behind the wheel of Taxi 580
five days a week for a number of years. After 35
Jyears in sales, by 1995 he was looking for a change
and thought he would give part time taxi driving a go. After
training at Carlisle he discovered part time drivers weren't
the in thing. So full time driving was it, leasing a car and
plate through Balato's. When that vehicle came to the end
of its natural taxi life he stepped back in to sales but this
time real estate. Behind his natural inclination for sales was
a love of dealing with people but for John, real estate just
didn't click. He returned to the taxi industry, still working in
sales, but this time selling his services as a driver operating
Taxi 580 on day shift for M&L Taxi Management.
It is his love of dealing with passengers that lead to John
being successful nominated for Taxi Driver of the Year by
Erica Nardi at Pharmacy 777 in Nollamara. The nomination
read: “In January this year John picked up a young man
from Sir Charles Gardener Hospital who had left the
hospital after treatment for a seizure. During the drive he
ascertained that the young man suffered seizures regularly
and was returning to his home where he lives alone.
Unhappy with this he accompanied him to the pharmacy
and told us of his plight. The young man then suffered a
seizure whilst in the cab outside our store. John carried him
from the car and placed him in the shade whilst we called
an ambulance, and waited with us until they arrived. I
believe the action that John took prevented the young man
from seizing at home, alone. His actions were above and
beyond the call of duty and he showed genuine concern for
his fellow human beings. Not to mention the fact that the
fare probably went unpaid.”
Very honoured to accept the award, John believes the
Golden Wheel Award program is really important to the taxi
industry. “It gets a bit dog eat dog between drivers at times
and this is the one chance we have for peer recognition”.
John (finally) agrees with a favourite saying of his wife,
Jacquie, “Why hide your light under a bushel?”. John
believes the industry does cop some unbalanced criticism
with “millions of trips happen without incident” but so
often the only discussion of the industry is in the negative.
He also recognises that some passengers rightly have cause
for complaint about a service issue and if they don't
complain the industry will not improve.
When asked if he had ever contemplated buying a plate,
John indicated that he had almost gone down that pathway
in partnership with another driver he had worked closely
9
l-R: Denise Cheir (Burswood), John Kosick and Howard Sattler (6PR)
with. After a couple of hiccups and delays in the process,
his prospective partner left the industry entirely and John
decided against taking on the added burden of managing a
plate and taxi solo.
John's pet annoyance are drivers who don't care about the
car they are driving and don't recognise that they share the
vehicle with other drivers – be it smoking in the vehicle,
leaving the car messy, structural damage caused by careless
driving or being very late for vehicle change over .
John is considering his next career move, with M& J Taxi
Management winding down, he may stay in the industry or
look into opportunities other areas such as patient transfer
again. At 64 the world remains his oyster. Congratulations
to John Kosick.
While John and Jacqui Kosick have yet to start enjoying the
Taxi Driver of the Year prize package they are looking
forward to it very much. John's prize included:
• 2 Nights Accommodation at the Holiday Inn
Burswood in a Metro Spa King Room with buffet
breakfast included in the Sirocco restaurant plus
two $100 dinner vouchers – courtesy of the
Burswood Entertainment Complex;
• A Burswood gift pack of dinner and a bottle of
wine at Carvers; and
• $1,000 spending money and a gourmet deluxe
hamper from the Taxi Council

There wouldn't be a winner or finalists without a range of nominated drivers to choose from.
Passengers across the city nominated the following drivers for many reasons - excellence in
presentation standards, quality of service and communication, advice and often support.
Congratulations to all!
Asad Abdullahi
Digby Adams
Bashr Ahmad
Hameed Aldhalimi
Komadaric Almir
Borce Atanasovski
Bev Baldock
Michael Beadle
Omer Bekhit
John Bishop
Jeffrey Blockley
Jacobus Bos
Peter Bosnyak
Renalda Brekalo
Chris Broughton
Petru Bughiu
Philip Buhagiar
Goran Buzak
Xin Cai
Darryl Caird
Garry Chinnery
Carl Corbs
Emanuel Crisan
Jamal Dahir
Graham Dearlove
Vladimir Dedovic
Phillip DeMello
Saad Didan
Abdi Diriye
Adrian Dunstall
Matt Elliot
Noleline Everix
Laszlo Forgac
Mujaffar Gain
Scott Galloway
Tesfaye Gemeda
Frank Grabbi
Steve Greenaway
Shahram Haidari Gazik
Stephen Hazlewood
Abdullahi Husein
Khalid Idiriss
Hussein Idris
Sasa Islamovic
And the nominees were....
Mike Jackson
Ashequl Joarder
Airden Judoor
Erica Kalaitzis
Marinko Kalic
Alex Karakarsanakis
Ahmad Karimpour
Alois Kometer
Roger Koreman
John Kosick
Mark Kuligowski
John Lane
Kristian Lazareski
Chia Liu
David Lyall
Amin Mansoor
Clark Marshall
Bill Matta
Steve McBride
Kenneth McFerran
Jelena Mijajev
Kaleemuddin Mohammed
Samudin Mohammed
Shahalam Mohommod
Mohammad Monir
Masoud Mooranian
Mukhtar Muhamed
Omid Namdar
Dragan Njegic
Frances Norton
Twin Ong
Jenny Pescud
Iain Philip
Allan Pierotti
Peter Prosser
Sahah Ram
Edna Rixer
Timothy Rudyard
Mujaffar Sain
Hovsep Sarkisjan
Patrick Saville
Mitchel Sharman
Robert Shaw
Ezat Shojaei
11
William Shortt
Ramanjeet Singh
Charan Singh
Dharmindher Singh
Dilraj Singh
Bhoopender Singh
Daljeet Singh
Cheema Singh
Bruce Smith
Davor Starcevic
John Suillivan
Morteza Taraghodi
Murray Terwey
Luciano Tomasi
John Trewhella
Mohsen Valinouri
Louis Van Gogh
Jacob Van Zyl
Ian Waldock
Tesfa Weldemichael
Edwin Wilkens
Brendon Williams
Sigi Wimmer
Dayong Xu
TCWA is currently producing a new
nomination brochure. It will be
available for collection very soon at
various outlets – including but not
limited to your TDS, Passenger Services
Unit foyer, management companies
etc.
Make sure you have some in your car.
Previously issued nomination forms
remain valid.

2009 Finalists & Award Winners
2009 WA Cabbie Day
Mike Beadle and Richard Muirhead (Tourism Western Australia)
Tourism Driver of the Year
Richard Muirhead, CEO of Tourism Western Australia present the Tourism
Driver award to Michael Beadle. This award recognizes a taxi driver who
has provided outstanding service in the tourist market.
Mike was nominated by Maria Mulachy. A professional photographer in
Perth for 10 days, Maria hopped into Mike's cab at the Burswood Rank to
go to various landmarks and to get to Jandakot for a helicopter flight.
Because of his courteousness, knowledge of Perth and ideas for great
shots Maria booked Mike to work with her all week including three night
shoots making it a very productive trip.
The Safety Driver of the Year Award
The Safety Driver recognises safe driving and/or a contribution towards
improving community safety, or the safety of an individual.
Frances Morton was announced as the winner as the 2009 Safety Driver
award for her role in supporting an elderly gentleman whose gopher had
broken down. An elderly gentleman's gopher had broken down and the
RAC called for an MPT but the first one to arrive was not big enough. Taxi
215 driven by Frances arrived but the gentleman was unable to get into the
taxi and nearly collapsed so an Ambulance was called. Frances stayed with
the gentleman, contacted his relatives while waiting for the ambulance.
Finally his son was able to come to the scene with a trailer to assist with the
gopher. Frances stayed with the gentleman for two hours, finally assisting
the ambulance crew before going home.
and Taxi Driver of the Year Awards
finalists
12
Access Driver of the Year
Mark Hutson of the Disability Services Commission presented the Access
Driver of the Year Award recognising excellent service and care whilst
transporting people with disabilities. An important field that is the key to
independence for many people with disabilities.
The winner Stephen Hazlewood was nominated by Barbara Thornton.
Stephen has been Barbara's regular driver for approximately 6 yrs and
over this period has proved to be a great assistance to me as my disability
progresses. Barbara wrote “Since I broke my ankle 2 yrs ago I have
needed more assistance in getting in and out of my house. Stephen has
always been very helpful in securing my house and pets and assists with
other jobs like bringing any shopping, posting letters, picking up
medication on his way or even bringing in my washing if it looks like it's
going to rain.
He is always on time for taxi trips, but will always call if he's going to run
late. I have also observed Stephen with other disabled customers.
He will always help in any way he can, if he sees someone waiting for a
taxi he will always stop and enquire if they need assistance and will either
arrange for a taxi or comes back for them. He is very sensitive to the
needs of disabled clients and at times goes beyond the call of duty.”
Stephen Hazlewood and Mark Hutson (DSC)

L-R: Frank Grabbi, Marek Kuligowski, Shahram Haidari, Kevin Foley (TCWA Chairman), John Kosick, Stephen Hazelwood, Mike Beadle, Morteza Taraghodi
There is no winner without a pool of finalists and the finalists for the Taxi
Driver of the Year Award were
Lazlo Forgac - Laszlo's care of and understanding of the needs of elderly
passengers and his eye for detail are the reason for his nominations this
year. Mel Cleasby was a particularly happy customer. After discussing his
stolen car with Laszlo, Laszlo came upon it in his travels, remembered Mr
Cleaby's address, picked him up and drove him to it. A recovery any
insurance company would be proud of.
Frank Grabbi - Frank's great service, humour, customer choice of radio,
people management and cooking skills are the root cause of a number of
nominations in this year's awards.
Shahram Haidari- Susan Rock used four words to describe Shahram -
compassion, patience, civility and intelligence. His other nominations
echoed those words but also extended to commend his excellent service.
Sasa Islamovich- It was most definititely a case of follow that taxi that
inspired Sasa's nomination by Paul Pallot. Work colleagues arrived at
Perth Airport, both taking taxis home from the rank. Only as he was
getting into Sasa's taxi did Mr Pallot realise his colleague had his luggage
(same company, same bag). Sasa arranged for a global message through
Swan dispatch and chased down those elusive bags. This extended and
commited service in a peak Christmas period meant that both passengers
arrived home complete.
13
Marek Kuligowski - Marks knowledge of the city, enthusiasm and
customer service above and beyond the call of duty were the inspiration of
a raft on nominations again in 2009.
Cheema Singh - Cheema attracted a faithful customer for the outstanding
efforts he went to return property left in his cab – restoring Yvonne
Mulligan's faith in human beings . As he was leaving the State early the
next day, Cheema wasn't in a position to drop the goods at the nearest
open police station. He dropped the wallet back to Ms Mulligan the next
morning - well out of his own way to the airport.
Morteza Taraghodi - With quite a few nominations to his name, Morteza is
a great communicator providing exceptional direct and safe service.
John Trewhella - Nominated by Sue Shapland, John has a longstanding
relationship with Multiple Sclerosis Society members attending MS
groups at Wilson and Beechboro. For his customers his professional and
caring approach goes beyond the call of duty. In his own time he helped
the MS Groups create a staff competency regarding safe restraint
technique for wheelchairs and assists with staff training at no cost to us.
Sigi Wimmer - Sigi Wimmer has established a loyal and large client base.
Several nominations were received but Bob Watson from Geraldton's
nomination was the clincher. Mr Watson visits Shenton Park Rehab for
regular treatment, Sigi plots Mr Watson's transport needs for the entire
10-12 days visit. If he can't provide the entire service he ensures another
reliable driver fills the gap.
�

Talking Taxis
TIB and TIBRG Meeting
The Taxi Industry Board (TIB) recently met with the Taxi Industry
Board Reference Group (TIBRG). At this meeting the roles of the
TIB and the TIBRG was discussed. The TIB provides advice on
recommendations made to the Minister of Transport, while the
TIBRG gives industry and stakeholder input to recommendations
made by the TIB.
The Chairman of the TIB, Mr Barry MacKinnon, and Officers
from the Department have visited the Milligan Street taxi rank
to assess how the rank project is going.
Contacting Passenger Services
Business Unit
As we mentioned in the last issue of Talking Taxis, Passenger
Services has moved to 20 Brown Street, East Perth.
If you need to contact Passenger Services about driver ID cards or
a licensing issue, please call 1300 660 147. When calling, please
clearly explain what you need to talk about, or who you want to
speak to, so the Officer answering your call can help you.
The number for the Compliance Support Officer is 9218 3635.
This number is to be used for reporting fare evasions and booking
registration tests.
National Training and English Standard
The Department of Transport has been working with other
interstate Transport Departments to develop a new taxi driver
training course and a national English standard for taxi drivers in
the metropolitan area.
This will be in place by July 2010. This will mean that when taxi
drivers come to Perth from other States and Territories they will
have been trained to the same standard as those in WA.
Talking Taxis
14
The new national English standard will also be in place by July
2010. This new standard will ensure that all new taxi drivers across
Australia will have to meet a set level of English in reading, writing,
speaking and listening. This will mean a higher standard of service
for taxi customers.
These standards will apply to Perth only, not to rural WA.
On-Road Taxi Inspections
The Department has increased the number of on-road inspections
that they have been doing. The number of inspections undertaken
in the last 3 months is almost the same as the total amount of
inspections undertaken in the last 12 months.
The good news is that these on-road inspections have shown that
there has been a reduction in the amount of non-compliance by
taxi operators.
Taxi Security Cameras
As per usual, this summer will be a busy time for the taxi industry.
The Department would like to remind all taxi drivers, operators
and managers of the need to be aware of the process of checking
that their taxi cameras are operating correctly.
In most cases this is as simple as ensuring the green light is flashing
on your LED display. Please check at the start and end of each shift.
As there are several different types of cameras, please familiarise
yourself with what you need to do should a situation occur and
you need to activate your camera.
If you have activated your camera and need the images
downloaded, please attend a Police Station immediately and ask
the Officer to contact the Department's Camera Download Officer.

Secure Ranks
Ranks Committee
The City of Perth have advised TCWA
that they have formally requested WA
Police infringe taxi drivers who offend
by double parking. The City cites a
number of examples within the CBD
and Northbridge where Taxis stop to
set down or pick up a fare, causing
blockages and increasing risks for
other motorists and patrons. So all
drivers – be warned – if you double
park to pick up, set down or to just to
get onto a rank you will likely be
infringed.
But this issue is not just about taxi
drivers double parking – it is very
much about planning. With a larger
taxi fleet there has been no linked
increase to the facilities for public to
TCWA Rank Marshal & Secure Ranks
The Rank Marshall trial has been extended advising passengers of regulatory rights such requests, disputes over direction. The Rank
through to 20 February 2010 to ensure as requesting pre-payment and rights of Marshals are doing their best to encourage
Festive and summer season coverage. On refusal. passengers to cut down the time taken in the
October 17, along with the Rank Marshal
trial extensions, Minister Simon O'Brien
announced the commitment of new TIDA
funds to develop the rank infrastructure at
Milligan Street with new features including
improved lighting, road structure, CCTV
coverage, better shelters, queuing barriers
and signage. At the same time
improvements to the barriers at South
terrace are also being investigated to work
with the heritage buildings the Fremantle
rank works next to. When those work will
There are some drivers who seem to enjoy
relying in pot luck and play chicken with
potentially inebriated customers as they
lurch randomly from behind parked cars to
get your attention. Using the secure ranks
takes a lot of the guess work out of your
night.
Rank Operations Update
The Rank Marshals, and probably many
drivers, aspire to a rank that flows with ease
old “kiss, kiss” farewelling at the head of the
rank and will ask driver processing
prepayments to, where possible, move to a
position ahead of the rank for the period of
the transaction.
An annoyance to passengers, other drivers
at the rank and Rank Marshals, are
passengers in the queue seeking to reduce
their wait time by jumping the queue and
grabbing a taxi at the rear of the rank.
Drivers need to respect rank operation rules
commence is unkown.
access those services. In fact in many
parts of the City ranks are reducing. If
our community wants a taxi service it
can access then the taxi service needs
to have the capacity to set down and
pick up near where its passengers
come from – day and night. When taxis
can no longer pick up or set on a street
eg St Georges Tce, Murray Street or
Lake Street, they will move to where
they can.
It is doubtful that inducing fines will
reduce the issue would it not be better
would be to look to reducing available
street parking and the increasing
designated set down and pick up areas
systematically across the City.
– a rank where passengers enter the taxi in that the taxi at the head of the rank has
without delay and the driver moves away the next available fare. Whilst passengers do
There remains taxi supply issues between gracefully into the distance. The reality have a right to choose the taxi they take,
midnight and 2am where passenger check is that after midnight on Friday and where there is a queue of passengers at the
numbers often outstrip the number of taxis. Saturday nights at Fremantle and Milligan rank, the passenger with the right to choose
The Rank Marshals are in contact with your Street, there are a quite a few elements that their taxi next is the passenger at the front of
TDS throughout the shifts to get taxis to both may fracture that dream run and causing the the queue because it is their turn.
ranks. The Rank Marshals are there for the rank to move slower that preferred.
benefit of the passenger AND the taxi driver Hopefully the promised new rank
Delays may be caused by pavement
– the Rank Marshal evaluates the state of the
infrastructure will reduce some the delays.
farewells by passengers, prepayment
passenger as well as supporting the driver in
TCWA
15
Andrew Davini
Chairman Ranks Committee

Council Meets
NOVEMBER 2009
Mr Foley welcome Kevin Wigg, Black and White Taxis and
Stephen Berry, MPT operator, to their first Council meeting.
Representatives of the WA Police and the Department of
Transport (DoT) also attended.
Discussions on several matters regarding police procedure
concluded with agreement to clarify the status of those issues
within WA Police operating procedures DoT and WA Police.
DoT provided significant clarification of the current status and
operation of the 5000 “Insurance” plates. At the conclusion of
discussions, Council members remain concerned at the lack of
clarity in the administration and monitoring of the plates and
the responsibilities of the taxi operators accessing the plates.
In response to the Council's now monthly request for
information regarding the progress of the Fare increase, DoT
advised that no recommendation had been made to the
Minister to date. DoT advised Council of concern of apparent
poor understanding of use of the cameras in vehicles and that it
was vital quality images were available to support this
important driver safety facility. The Council agreed that
periodic reminders to industry were vital.
WATA reported that the sales of Government lease plates into
the industry remains a prominent issue across their
membership. The Ranks Committee was continuing to advise
and advocate for the development of ranks especially given the
increase in fleet over the last 4 yours was not partnered by an
increase in ranks infrastructure and rarely part of urban
planning. Perth Arena and the Athletics Stadium in Floreat
were earmarked as two new developments that needed follow
through regarding event based ranks.
The Hugh McLennan reported again that lack of work was still a
prominent concern, along with not enough space at the rank
and the continued presence of peak periods on the road in a
period of significant down turn in trade. Many taxis are also
suffering from the cost of replacing windows damaged by
thrown rocks. The Council agreed to approach the Opposition
spokesperson, Hon Ken Travers, who was tabling the proposed
additions to the criminal code, to ensure the 'rock throwing'
legislation encompassed taxis. Management company
representative, Rick Stawiarz also asked after any
announcement to the increase in fares and shift lease rates,
dramatic increases in the cost of insurance at the beginning of
the financial year has increased the cost of operating taxis
dramatically
16
Discussion also focused to Council preference for full fleet of
MPT's servicing the market 7 days per week being
compounded by the long term issue of not enough drivers
trained for MPT operation. Stephen Berry reported that even
though its start was delayed, it was hoped that the MPT
cadetship training program would alleviate the issue to
provide more drivers for the increasing amount of MPT's being
double shifted. The double handling and administration of
TUSS also remains an issue and the Council committed to
continue its push, of more than 5 years, for an electronic TUSS
system to speed the process and reduce double handling by
the industry and Government alike.
Office bearers for the 2009/2010 year were appointed. Mr
Kevin Foley continues as Chair and the roles of Deputy Chair
were awarded to Mr Hugh McLennan and Mr Kevin Wigg.
DECEMBER 2009
With the AHA represented at the meeting by Katie Hodson
Thomas , the meeting began with a the Council providing
feedback on the recent media coverage of AHA CEO, Bradley
Woods, quoting results of a survey on taxi services and
demanding 300 new taxis on the road. Given it was not the
first time the AHA had issued controversial statements about
the industry, Council members were extremely annoyed that
the AHA had not honoured an agreement to discuss industry
issues with Council prior to releasing statements. The survey
quotes merely acted as a buffer for the AHA to take a swipe at
the sector and deflect from the profile of alcohol service issues
in Northbridge linked to AHA members. There is a shared
client based but for too long the AHA has focused on the taxi
industry as being responsible for dispersing its drunk
customers. Those customers are the responsibility of the
publicans through responsible serving not taxis. The AHA
position regarding the extension of the PPRT trial to service
their industry has really hurt taxi drivers – the week day early
jobs just aren't there to support the fleet and ranks around the
city are overflowing.
The major question for DoT on the day was the status of the
any fare increase, given it had not yet been submitted to the
Minister. Council was assured it would be followed through.
Daren Hutchins outlined the liaison with the WA Police in
revisiting the standing procedures in camera downloading.
DoT have been to every 24 hour police station with
information packs with the aim of avoiding any further
incidents of drivers reporting incidents from being turn away.

Airport update
Domestic Terminals - Progress Update
Works are progressing well at the front Taxis picking up passengers in the newly We thank you for your patience and
of the Domestic Terminals. established permanent Taxi lane will cooperation with us during this phase of
Taxis will continue to Drop Off approach the front of the taxi rank and the forecourt re-development.
passengers in the temporary Pick Up and collect passengers from one of eight
Drop off area, accessed from Brearley bays available. Two lanes will enable taxi Works will continue on other lanes in
Avenue. We ask drivers to observe drivers to exit the taxi lane without front of the Domestic Terminals with the
directional signage and instructions waiting for the car ahead to depart. completion of all works scheduled for
from our traffic management team. This
early 2010.
temporary Drop off area will remain in
operation until the end of March 2010.
The newly established permanent Taxi
lane will have two exit lanes which will On-airport public link road
Taxis coming to the Domestic Terminals
to Pick Up passengers from the
designated taxi lane may access this lane
from Dunreath Drive and Fauntleroy
Avenue.
be in operation with boom gates on both
lanes, allowing for an efficient exit for
taxi drivers and their passengers.
We remind all drivers during this time
that they must maintain a safe speed
when approaching the cross walks, and
Construction of the $19 million public
road linking the international and
domestic precincts is progressing and is
due for completion in late 2010. Once
opened, the road will allow passengers,
tenants and the general public to
The newly established permanent Taxi to be mindful of increased pedestrian transfer between the precincts in
lane, closest to the front of the Domestic
Terminals is completed and operational.
traffic during the holiday period.
approximately 10 minutes.
Council Meets continued
Other DoT discussion focus to driver safety issue of boot
releases in station wagons, how DoT were representing the
State on minimum standards of cameras and the DoT
managed the return of the government lease plates upon
default of contract. Further follow up will take place regarding
the operational policy of the 5000 plates and the Karratha
based issue of PT using ranks to ply for hire. Mr Hutchins
also confirmed that WA Police can infringe taxi drivers for not
wearing a uniform.
The WATA representative Tony D'Ercole expressed major
disappointment at Government not releasing fare increase
considerations yet – from here on in any announcement will
be far too close to festive season to be able to implement well.
Andrew Davini reported on the Rank Committee's
condemnation of the City of Perth Planning Department
commitment to move the St Georges Terrace Rank was to
17
Sherwood Court. This means there will be no ranks on either
side of the major thoroughfare of the city's business district. If
local government wished to have taxi's service their region
then they must be able to service the region in high profile and
accessible places for passengers and drivers. The London
Court Rank is a high priority for TCWA.
Reiterating again that there was not enough work on the road
for all taxis, Hugh Mclennan reported on the impact of lack of
work in the daytime had started impacting on the number of
drivers available day shifts. TDA data was apparently showing
in a slight increase work over the last few weeks but not at all
comparable to previous years. The downturn in available
work is a compound of the number of taxis on the road, the
current credit squeeze but also because of past consumer
experience in quality and availability.

A win for Mandurah Taxis
ongratulations to Mandurah Transport. These vehicles feature Mandurah Taxis also provides work
CTaxis for winning the Business wider hoists to ensure larger electric experience for students with learning
Award in the 2009 Count Us In Awards wheelchairs can be accommodated. and behavioural difficulties as part of a
presented by Hon Simon O'Brien, MLC Many other taxis have also been program at Mandurah Senior College.
Minister for Transport and Disability updated or replaced with wagons so During the year, three students gained
Services on Thursday 3 December. they can carry fold-up wheelchairs and work experience in the car servicing
The annual awards were part of
celebrations for today's UN-sponsored
International Day of People with
Disability and are hosted by the
Disability Services Commission.
In the past 12 months the fleet of passengers who have difficulties
MPT's has increased from 4 to 6 with handling payment has also been
assistance from the Department of established.
walking frames. section, where taxis are cleaned and
maintained. The company also works
New booking systems have been put in with job provider companies to
place, including Mobile Express and employ drivers with disabilities or
on-line booking, for easy use by people injuries that prevent them from
with sight, speech and/or hearing working in their previous vocations.
difficulties. A pre-paid system for
18

2009 Cabbie’s Day
19

2009 Cabbie’s Day
20

Mailbox In
21

What’s on in Perth
Western Australia's capital city will be a hive of activity this autumn
with a range of events bringing excitement to the City of Perth and
beyond. The below mentioned events will boost taxi demand in the
following months with thousands of visitors flocking to Perth who will
be in need of transport before and after each day's events.
Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships
The excitement starts with a splash as over 15,000 competitors and
support crew head to Scarborough beach between Tuesday 17 March
and Sunday 22 March for the Australian Surf Life Saving
Championships. The event, which is the largest of its kind in the
world, brings Scarborough beach alive for a week of competitive surf
boat races, flag races, and the famous ironman race. A special awards
night will take place on Friday 20 March at the Rendezvous Hotel so
you may find a few people will require taxi services when this
concludes at 10.30pm.
[link: http://www.aussies2009.com]
Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe
Creating added excitement at Perth's popular beach, Cottesloe, is
Sculpture by the Sea. This event has returned to Cottesloe beach for
the fifth annual exhibition and is on from Thursday 5 March through
to Tuesday 24 March. Over 60 local, interstate and international
artists will transform the beach and surrounds into a stunning
sculpture park overlooking the Indian Ocean.
[link: http://www.sculpturebythesea.com]
What’s on in Perth
Fremantle Street Arts Festival
Culture lovers will delight in the Fremantle Street Arts Festival held
over the Easter long weekend. Demand for taxi services will be high
between Saturday 11 and Monday 13 April with audiences in excess of
100,000 expected to flood into the port city of Fremantle to
experience the extreme skill and outrageous behaviour of the world's
best buskers.
[link: http://www.fremantlefestivals.com]
22
Perth and Fremantle are not the only locations in Western Australia to
be bustling with activity in the coming months. Thousands of visitors
are expected to head to Australia's South West to immerse
themselves in tasty delights and outdoor adventures.
The Quit Forest Rally
The Quit Forest Rally takes off on Friday 3 April and paces its way
between Busselton and Nannup for three days in the beautiful forests
in the South West. The Rally attracts Australia's leading rally drivers
with approximately 55 cars expected to enter. Spectators head to the
roadside to take part in this exhilarating race and Busselton is sure to
be a hive of activity surrounding the event.
[link: http://www.wacarclub.com.au]
Margaret River Wine Region Festival
Wine lovers will indulge in the Margaret River Wine Region Festival
which is held between Thursday 16 and Saturday 18 April. The festival
is devoted to celebrating the end of vintage and Saturday will see
some serious wine and food sampling take place at the Vintage
Festival in Cowaramup. Alternatively, guests can take advantage of
the local taxi service and traverse the South West to a variety of mini
festivals in Augusta, Margaret River and Dunsborough enjoying wine
tastings along the way.
[link: http://www.margaretriverfestival.co... ]
Busselton Half Ironman Triathlon
Finally, sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Busselton Half Ironman
Triathlon which will take place over the first weekend in May.
Participants will swim, cycle and run their way through the seaside
resort town of Busselton which is sure to be buzzing with competitors,
support crew and spectators alike.
[link: http://www.busseltonhalf.com/ ]
For other events taking place in Western Australia, please visit
www.eventscorp.com.au/events.
�

Festival of Perth
February 5 – March 1
If it is February – must be the Festival of Perth !
Across Perth city and the State, artists and
groups from all around the world are stepping up
to the plate. There's music, film, street art,
community events, performances, exhibitions of
all sort and in all sorts of places. In this edition of
Taxi News, we highlight a few of the show with
just a few words from the Festival Director.
There is no way in the world a 101 page Festival
program be reduced across two page so TCWA
has arranged for some festival brochures to be at
the Swan and Black&Whites foyers.
You can keep it in the car for passenger reference
or at home for your family. You can also flick
through the full festival program online
www.perthfestival.com.au.
A small show with big ideas, The Society portrays
a collective of sworn coffee drinkers, utterly
devoted to the rituals and elitism of the dark
bean. When their harmony is broken by the
discovery of (gasp!) a used tea bag hidden in their
guarded sanctuary, loyalties are severely tested.
Perth Festival Artistic Director Shelagh Magadza
said: “This is a hilariously irreverent look at what
we hold dear and our hidden prejudices”.
Where: Octagon Theatre University of WA
When: Thu 18–Sat 20th, & Mon 22 Feb, 7.30pm
Sat 20 Feb, 2pm · Sun 21 Feb, 5pm
Note: latecomers cannot be admitted
1hr no interval
SING THE TRUTH: The Music Of Nina Simone
Starring Patti Austin, Dianne Reeves, Simone &
Lizz Wright and the Original Nina Simone Band
featuring Al Schackman.
Nina Simone is the ultimate soul diva and for one
summer's night in Kings Park, her jazz, soul, blues
and gospel legacy will be rekindled by four
brilliant female singers – jazz greats Dianne
Reeves and Lizz Wright, Patti Austin and Nina's
daughter Simone. First staged at New York's
Carnegie Hall to massive fanfare, this heartfelt
tribute is filled with songs from Nina's classic
catalogue, including 'Four Women', 'I Loves You
Porgy', 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'Lilac
Wine'. Festival Director Shelagh Magadza
believes “This is an unmissable, one-of-a-kind
concert event that will appeal to music lovers of
all persuasions.”
When: Mon 1 March, 7.30pm
Gates open: 6pm - 1hr 30min no interval
66A CHURCH ROAD
A Lament, Made of Memories and Kept in
Suitcases. Written and performed by Daniel
Kitson
“Last September I had to move out of my flat
after living there for almost six years. I didn't
want to. I lived alone. I am single. 66a Church
Road was the longest relationship of my life.
This is a break up show. For my flat.”
Daniel Kitson, London May 2008
Moving house can be traumatic and clearly it
inspired Daniel Kitson, stand up comedian and
raconteur, to create a love story. This ode has
since seen Kitson travel the world, the flat may
be long gone but the memories remain
lucrative.
When: Wed 17–Sun 28 Feb, 8pm, Sat 20 & Sat
27 Feb, 2pm, 1hr 30min (no interval)
Where: Subiaco Arts Centre
For more information: 6488 555
Bookings for events can be made through
perthfestival.com.au or 9484 1133
CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS
Fremantle Passenger Terminal
Please check with dispatch on the day prior
for arrival times
Wed 20 Jan: Pacific Sun
Tues 19 – Fri 20 Jan: The World
Sat 23 Jan: Pacific Sun
Sun 31 Jan: Pacific Sun
Fri 12 Feb: Pacific Sun
Sun 14 Feb: Athena
th
Thurs 18 Feb Athena
Wed 24 Feb Pacific Sun
Sun 28 Feb Queen Victoria
Tues 2 Mar Diamond Princess
Thurs 11 Mar Aurora
23
EXHIBITIONS
DINOSAURS ALIVE! After 65 million
years…they're back!
Western Australian Museum – Perth
Until 7 Mar 2010
Admission fees apply
DINOSAURS ALIVE! takes visitors along the
165-million-year journey of the Age of
Dinosaurs.
McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Until 29 Mar 2010
Frederick McCubbin is one of the foremost
Australian Impressionists who continued to
experiment artistically throughout his career,
producing wonderful colour and light-filled
paintings
BIG SPORT DATES
CRICKET at the WACA
International Cricket - WACA
Fri 29 Jan 2010 Australia v Pakistan
Sun 31 Jan 2010 Australia v Pakistan
SOCCER
Members Equity Stadium
Fri 22 January, 7:00 PM Perth Glory vs
Wellington Phoenix FC
Sun 31 january, 4:00 PM Perth Glory vs Central
Coast Mariners FC
BASKETBALL
Challenge Stadium
Sat 16 January 7:30 Perth Wildcats Vs Cairns
Taipans
Sat 23 January 7:00 PM Perth Wildcats Vs
Melbourne Tigers
Sun 14 February 14 4:00 PM Perth Wildcats Vs
Townsville Crocodiles
CONFERENCES
23/01/2010 - 24/01/2010
WAI-Con 2010
Perth Anime Inc. (PAniC)
Venue: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Est. Delegates: 1000
13/02/2010 - 14/02/2010
Wellness and Fitness Industry Conference
2010
YMCA Perth
Venue: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Est. Delegates: 400
4/03/2010 - 7/03/2010
78th Rotary District 9800 Conference 2010
Venue: Perth Convention Exhibition Centre
Est. Delegates: 785