DRIVE NOW September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 - EDITION 49
National
Magazine
Taxis, Hire Cars,
Wedding Cars,
Limousines
Owners, Drivers,
Partners, Operators
Suppliers, Networks,
Booking Service
Providers

drivenowmag drivenowmag
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Mrs Toni Peters
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2 September 2021

6
18
14
WHAT’S INSIDE
WOULD YOU
SAY SOMETHING?
Then you’re the kind of person to ask ‘R U OK?’
For tips on how to ask, visit ruok.org.au
23
VICTORIA
6 Uber is not safe.
8 Drivers are the working poor....
12 TAA meetings with relevant industry stakeholders.
FEATURES
14 Victoria’s 2021 cheapest cars.
18 Think you’re a good driver?
34 3 biggest causes of driving distractions.
NSW
20 Uber fails safety audit.
22 NSW taxi drivers vaccination appointments.
24 Get to know Charles Mathews.
QUEENSLAND
16 QR Codes now mandatory.
ACT
26 Food delivery drivers feeling vulnerable.
OVERSEAS
28 Nexar partners with Black Car Fund.
29
Oxford taxi drivers protest against Uber’s ‘local
cab’ pilot scheme.
29 39 km/h for Paris city streets.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
3

FROM THE
Editor
The front cover of this month’s edition is dressed with a young lady entering a taxi,
ready for Spring time. Perhaps she is going to work, visiting family, or catching up with
friends for lunch. Maybe she is travelling to the airport to go on that long-awaited
overseas trip. Or she could be one of those well-dressed ladies who attends the
Melbourne Cup Carnival and is catching a taxi home after a hard day at the races.
Whatever the reason for her being out and about, it is great to see that she is using a
commercial passenger vehicle as her means of transportation.
For those of us living on Australia’s eastern seaboard, we know all too well what it
means to not be able to go out from our homes. We also know that if we continue to
adhere to the government’s rules regarding vaccinations and lockdown, we may be able
to enjoy the freedom to move around and meet up with our friends and loved ones. For
some States this could be next month; others may have to wait until Christmas 2021.
As more people in our communities are vaccinated against COVID-19, more will be able
to leave their homes and it is then that the commercial passenger transport industry will
start to see an increase in passengers.
Then we will play the waiting game until our interstate borders and, eventually, the
international borders are once again open. This is not going to happen overnight, but
the experts are saying that all of Australia will be open early 2022. It will be at this point
that the recovery of the Australian economy and our industry will begin.
In the meantime, stay safe; wear a mask, keep rooms and vehicles well ventilated, avoid
crowds, clean your hands, and adhere to physical distancing rules. Doing the right thing
will see us survive these unprecedented times.
Toni Peters
4 September 2021

I PROTECTED
FOR MY
COMMUNITY
COVID-19 has affected all of us, but there is a
way forward. It’s time to protect yourself, your
family and community by getting vaccinated.
The sooner we all get vaccinated, the sooner
we get back to doing the things we enjoy.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
Book your free vaccination today
australia.gov.au
Or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services call 131 450.
September 2021
5

VIC News
Uber is
Not Safe!
The New South Wales (NSW) Point to Point Transport Commissioner
has relinquished a report exploring the multiple facets in which
Uber is not safe. The Commissioner accentuated their main concerns
surrounding Uber’s lack of safety to include; driver fatigue, incident
management, driver training, and notifiable occurrences. These
factors, among others, help us to outline how Uber is providing a
perilous mode of passenger transport, which raises our eyebrows.
Specifically, let us look at
notifiable occurrences. This
phrase refers to how quickly,
or not, Uber notified the
Commissioner of paramount
incidences, such as: death,
rape, sexual assault, serious
illness or injuries. We found
it exceptionally alarming
when we learnt that the
Commissioner’s audit service
fined Uber over $200,000
for not reporting notifiable
occurrences in a practical,
timely manner.
Moreover, this fine
encompassed Uber’s failure
to adequately report over 500
serious incidents in the last 18
months alone.
6 September 2021

VICTORIA news
A complete violation of
not only industry laws,
but our trust.
Following this, the Commissioner
authoritatively mandated Uber
to conduct an independent
quality assurance audit in an
attempt to ensure their complex
systems are appropriately
integrated. However, there
does not seem to be any
genuine penalty surrounding
the possibility of Uber’s lack of
completion of these task.
Rod Barton MP also exhibited
his deepest concerns regarding
the NSW Commissioner’s audit
of Uber. He explains that whilst
Uber has the resources and
funds to adhere to fundamental
industry safety requirements,
they decide not to.
Uber’s lack of compliance to
adhere to these laws, to save
pennies here and there, is simply
costing us our own safety.
Unlike NSW (and every other
State in Australia), the Victorian
regulator has ingenuously
extended the Multi-Purpose
Taxi Program (MPTP) to Uber.
The MPTP defines a multifaceted
program whereby the
government subsidises CPV fares
for Victoria’s most vulnerable.
And now, the government has
decided it is a good idea to
include Uber, a proven unsafe
giant, in this program.
To be fair, the reasoning was
good. Can you hear the sarcasm
dripping from my mouth?
For context, Uber had a 100%
satisfactory rate resulting from
a total of four passengers in
their MPTP trial last year. On this
alone, Uber was added to the
program.
Are you thinking this is strange?
Because you are not alone.
Ultimately, adding Uber to the
MPTP is, in a way, exculpating
them from all the bad things that
they have done. It is completely
unjust.
Our safety, especially the safety
of those most vulnerable, in our
society should not be wagered
away. We need to recognise the
clear-cut safety risk Uber poses
to us, as demonstrated by the
voluminous fines, disregard for
rudimentary safety laws, lack of
cameras, driver fatigue, etc. We
simply cannot trust Uber to be
there for us.
by ISOBEL SPARROW
Embassy
Cafe
WE’re open
WE NEVER CLOSE
547 Spencer Street
West Melbourne
VISIT US FOR THE BEST BURGERS IN TOWN
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
7

VICTORIA news
Drivers are the
working poor...
SEEMS THAT CPVV WANT TO
KEEP IT THAT WAY
A recently published report by Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV) examines trends in fares for taxi and
rideshare services to identify potential areas for misuse of market power. What is clear from this report is that the
CPVV is determined to see what it wants to see, ignoring all signs that the industry is on its knees.
I am outraged at the regulator’s ignorance of the struggle drivers face, fighting for a smaller piece of the pie every day.
There are clear discrepancies throughout
the report. The report notes that there have
been 60 million booked fares in the 2019/20
year and claims the data set used for the
report represents approximately 80% of all
booked trips. Elsewhere, the report claims to
have ‘analysed the fare data from more than
37 million booked trips’. This raises some
obvious questions.
If the data set looked at 80% of all 60 million
booked trips, the CPVV would have a data set
of 48 million trips. Why is it that the report
only chose to analyse data from 37 million?
What data has been excluded and why?
The report holds no answers to such
questions.
Apart from what appears to be the selection
of specific data to skew the analysis, there
lies other inconsistencies in the report.
Rod Barton MLC
Leader, Transport Matters Party
While the report legitimately separates fares
collected in different zones (metro, urban,
regional and country), it does not separate
data collected from taxi and rideshare.
8 September 2021

VICTORIA news
Taxi and rideshare drivers are
some of the lowest paid workers
in the country. The CPVV don’t
even pretend to care.
By failing to differentiate
between the two services, it
is impossible to determine
whether an abuse of market
power exists.
Maximum fare rates for unbooked
taxi services are government
regulated, while rideshare
operators are left to their own
devices. For pre-booked work, it
is also known that despite taxis
being able to set fares outside
of regulated rates, fares are
calculated to sit fairly close to what
would have been on the meter
otherwise.
By choosing to lump rideshare fare
data with highly regulated taxi fare
data, the report conceals where the
abuse of market power may lie and
that is within the dynamic pricing
model in the rideshare sector.
Rideshare operators have
long employed surge pricing
strategies to exploit demand,
yet this is not acknowledged in
the report.
The CPVV has failed to conduct a
meaningful analysis of the data,
preferring to provide a skewed
version of reality that suits its
narrative of the industry.
Even more condemning is the
CPVV’s view of market economics.
The CPVV celebrates that the
industry managed to grow by
increasing the number of driver
accreditations and vehicle
accreditations in 2020 during
COVID-19, despite a downturn in
the number of trips by an average
of 57%. This is an alarming
perspective.
Why is CPVV rejoicing in
extreme market saturation
and an unsustainable level
of competition within the
industry?
This report makes clear the
attitude of the CPVV. It will
prioritise competition over all
else, forcing drivers to work
one, two and three jobs just
to put food on the table.
According to data submitted
by Uber to a Senate inquiry
in March this year, drivers and
delivery workers in Sydney make
less than the minimum wage
for casual workers, even at peak
hours. On top of this, drivers must
pay for their own vehicle, petrol,
insurance and superannuation.
The Transport Workers Union
found 74% of surveyed food
delivery workers reported they
were struggling to pay their bills
and buy groceries. It surprises me
every day that CPVV does not see
this as a legitimate concern.
I believe that drivers should not
be slaves to the middle class.
Someone must pay for the real cost
of providing the service.
“CPVV must address
the level of market
saturation to ensure
that the industry
is commercially
sustainable, and drivers
can earn a living wage.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
9

VICTORIA news
E-Scooter Trial
FOR MELBOURNE AND
BALLARAT’S STREETS
High-powered electric scooters are set to appear on the streets of Melbourne and Ballarat as part of a
12-month state government trial. The e-scooters for hire will be allowed on bicycle lanes, shared paths and
low-speed roads (up to 50kph). They will not be permitted on footpaths. They can travel up to 20kph, which is
twice the legal speed capabilities of privately owned e-scooters in Victoria.
10 September 2021

VICTORIA news
Currently, in Victoria, electric
scooters can legally travel on
low-speed roads, shared off-road
paths and footpaths only if they
have a maximum speed of 10kph
and a power output of less than
200 watts.
In Ballarat, the only regional
city chosen for the trial, Mayor
Daniel Moloney said the council
was keen to demonstrate the
city was a place “not afraid to try
something a bit different”.
Cr Moloney said while he did not
expect e-scooters to be used
by people travelling from the
suburbs into central Ballarat,
he saw them as a great way for
people to travel around the CBD.
“When you’re in the CBD itself,
it does make a lot more sense
to park the car and then … use
other forms of transport such as
scooters, walking and cycling,”
he said.
Cr Moloney said he did not
have safety concerns based
on the experiences of other
places around the world to trial
e-scooters.
But recently released data had
shown hundreds of people
have been injured while riding
e-scooters around Brisbane.
Brisbane, along with Adelaide,
and Darwin have all had
e-scooters zooming through their
streets long before the Victorian
government announced its plans
for an e-scooter trial.
Memories are still fresh from
Melbourne’s oBike fiasco, which
saw yellow bicycles up trees and
abandoned in rivers across the
city.
City of Yarra, which has started its
own e-bike trial, was seeing very
low instances of dumping and
vandalism due to the quality of
both the bikes and the operator, a
council spokesperson said.
by RHIANNON STEVENS
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
11

TAA Meetings
with relevant industry stakeholders
TAA recently held an Open Forum via Zoom last month to
discuss the future and sustainability of the taxi and hire
car industry in Victoria. Here is a summary of the topics
discussed, for your information.
Transport Alliance Australia – looking after
the interests of those in the Australian
commercial passenger transport sector.
Many of the attendees agreed
that the Victorian regulator –
Commercial Passenger Vehicles
Victoria (CPVV) keeps moving
the goal posts, just to suit its
needs and the wants of the big
operators.
Some even think that CPVV
Compliance Officers don’t really
understand what a Booking
Service Provider (BSP) is, and
what role they have to play in the
Victorian commercial passenger
vehicle CPV industry.
There was a suggestion that
at least one of the CPVV
Commissioners should be
currently in or coming from the
commercial passenger vehicle
industry. On every Board,
there should be social and
environment expertise and good
governance - there’s nothing
like that within the CPVV. None
of the commissioners have
any real-world experience in a
commercial area and only have
experience in a safety arena.
CPVV follows what is printed
in the legislation rather than
considering the situation itself.
We have to have a regulator, and
the governance of it is critical.
Many agreed that the
government needs to increase
the entry fees to be realistic and
reflective of the work carried out
by those who chose to be drivers
and operators.
There are definitely unbalanced
costs between different
commercial passenger vehicles
and some believe that the
regulator should mandate
cameras for all vehicles
or remove the regulation
altogether. But others pointed
out that presently cameras give
taxis sole rights to rank and hail
work – and it becomes difficult
for regulators to keep rideshare
off taxi ranks unless the defining
feature is taxis have cameras and
rideshare don’t.
It seemed unfair that the
recent Business Costs grants
were available for drivers who
may not have been active in
the industry recently. Many
attendees voiced their disgust
that these non-active drivers
would have put their hand out
for the grant. There needs to be
a way to determine who has and
has not been active over the last
six months and, therefore, those
who were inactive will not be
eligible for any future grants.
Medium-sized BSPs are finding
it difficult to control the
compliance of their drivers and
vehicles, yet CPVV won’t step in
and help control it. It seems to
spend a lot of time inspecting
and auditing small BSPs; large
BSPs have the manpower and
rules to be able to enforce
compliance, but the medium
BSP seems to be forgotten.
Perhaps we don’t need the
regulator - perhaps VicPol and
VicRoads would be sufficient?
12 September 2021

VIEW THIS
MEETING
If you would like to watch/listen
to the recording of this General
Meeting, and others, all you
need to do is to log into the
membership section of TAA’s
website at
www.taa-national.com.au
CPVV
needs to step up and
be tough but not heavy-handed.
CPVV states that they cannot
change any of the rules. Of
course it can. Just because the
regulations (set by the Regulator
and Department of Transport)
and the legislation (set by
parliament) are written, doesn’t
mean they cannot be changed.
We’ve seen Rod Barton (Leader,
Transport Matters Party) do
so numerous times over the
past two years. Thankfully Rod
Barton and Transport Matters
Party are batting for us – things
can change, and nothing is
steadfast.
There was a suggestion by an
attendee after the meeting
(as his internet connection
was poor). Passengers need to
regain confidence in the taxi
industry and be reassured that
they will be paying the least
possible fare. This could be done
if all registered taxi vehicles
and drivers were to be linked
online to software giving both
the driver and passenger the
best real-time directions to the
passenger’s destination through
live traffic updates.
All taxi drivers should be
joined to industry-wide,
online mapping software that
is accessed through the taxi
industry’s current mobile phone
apps, so that all passengers can
be confident of getting to their
destination using the shortest
possible route, which saves
customers time and money.
Passengers would access the
same information the taxi
driver obtains through the same
mobile phone app from their
own phone, which would make
communication between drivers
and passengers easier.
3-MINUTE
SURVEY
Transport Alliance Australia
is undertaking a survey to
better understand what YOU
think needs to be done to
move forward and ensure a
sustainable and profitable
Victorian CPV industry.
From the results of this survey,
TAA will be putting together a list
of proposed solutions which will
be sent to industry stakeholders
to rank in terms of efficacy.
We would appreciate you
completing this survey. And
yes, you will remain completely
anonymous.
https://www.surveymonkey.
com/r/Q63JCR6
Online Australian
Training
Courses
www.drvrtraining.com.au
Limousine, Taxi, Hire Car, Ride Share
Fatigue Management
23 Lessons | $49.00
Limousine, Taxi, Hire Car, Ride Share
COVID-19 Hygiene Awareness
for Transport Drivers
22 Lessons | $ FREE
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
13

VICTORIA’S
2021
CHEAPEST
CARS
RACV has revealed Victoria’s most
affordable new cars across a range
of category types, making it easier
for consumers to understand how
much different vehicles will cost
them to operate each month over a
five-year period.
The results were collated as part
of RACV’s Annual Operating Costs
Survey and found the cheapest car
in the Victorian market is the MG3
light hatchback, followed by the
Kia Picanto S and the Kia Rio S light
hatch in second and third place,
respectively. The MG3 Core will cost
owners $626.50 a month, the Kia
Picanto S $662.93 and the Kia Rio S
$705.71.
RACV’s Vehicle Operating Costs
Survey highlights the overall cost
of ownership of more than 80 of
Australia’s best-selling and emerging
models and has been running for
more than 50 years.
The survey factors in the
initial purchase price and loan
repayments, registration charges,
insurance, auto club membership,
fuel or electric vehicle charging
costs, tyres, servicing and repairs, all
averaged over five years.
RACV’s calculations are based on
a private vehicle with mileage of
15,000 kilometres per year, which is
approximately the average distance
travelled by Victorian drivers.
RACV Head of Communications and
Engagement Andrew Scannell said
the most significant cost of a new
car is the up-front purchase price.
“Registration, insurance, and club
membership make up about 15 to 20
14 September 2021

per cent, while fuel takes a 10 and 15
per cent slice,” Mr Scannell said.
“Servicing costs consume between
three and seven per cent of the
overall costs and tyres just one to
three per cent.
“Not surprisingly – and consistent
with previous years’ results – light
passenger cars are the most
affordable vehicle segment.
“If you buy a light hatch, you can
expect an average monthly cost of
$738.43. Small cars are the second
most affordable category with a
monthly spend of $903.44, closely
followed by small SUVs at $917.60.”
According to the survey, all-terrain
4x4 SUVs are the priciest vehicles
to own and run, according to the
survey, costing owners an average
of $1634.29 per month, while
popular 4x4 dual-cab utes were the
next most expensive at $1533.62.
Large family SUVs were the third
priciest at $1404.53.
Victoria’s most expensive car to own
and run is Nissan’s Patrol Ti upperlarge
SUV, which costs $2337.33 a
month to keep on the road. The
Patrol has a V8 petrol engine and is
priced from $85,738 before on-road
costs.
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid
electric vehicles require an average
monthly spend of $1280.83, which
pleasingly is about $100 less than
last year’s survey.
Private vehicle average running costs in Victoria
Vehicle category
Average
monthly cost
for vehicles in
this category
Cheapest model in each category
Monthly
cost for
listed
vehicle
Light cars $738.43 MG3 Core 1.5 4sp auto Hatch $625.50
Small cars $903.44 Kia Cerato S 2.0 Hatch 6sp auto $802.25
Medium cars $1,189.84 Toyota Camry Ascent 2.5 8sp auto Sedan $1,003.74
People movers $1,363.42 Honda Odyssey ViL7 2.4 CVT $1,335.28
Electric $1,280.83 MG ZS EV $1,128.33
SUV small $917.60 Hyundai Venue (base) 1.6 2wd 6sp auto $793.23
SUV medium $1,200.01 Toyota RAV4 GXL 2.5 Hybrid FWD CVT $1,117.64
SUV large $1,404.53 Subaru Outback 2.5 AWD CVT MY21 $1,224.78
All terrain $1,634.29 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX 2.4 t/dsl 8sp auto $1,367.32
Light commercial 4x4 $1,533.62 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 2.4 T/dsl 6sp auto 4X4 Dual cab $1,269.34
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
15

QLD News
QR Codes
now
mandatory
FOR PERSONALISED
TRANSPORT VEHICLES
It’s now mandatory for every taxi, limousine and
rideshare vehicle to have a unique Check In Qld QR
code displayed where it is easy for customers to scan
and check in.
Drivers must be checking in before each shift and
should remind passengers to check-in when entering
the vehicle.
Compliance checks are continuing to occur on
businesses to enforce the Check In Qld app
requirements to ensure Queenslanders are doing their
part to slow the spread of COVID-19. The maximum
penalty for not complying with these requirements is
$13,785 or six months imprisonment.
For more information, read the personalised transport
frequently asked questions, www.covid19.qld.gov.au/
check-in-qld or call 13 42 68.
“
DON’T GET CAUGHT OUT
REGISTER FOR A QR CODE NOW!
www.covid19.qld.gov.au/check-in-qld
16 September 2021

Transport Matters Party (TMP) is a political
movement focusing on fairness, community and
offering solutions for our nation’s transport issues.
Show your support to Rod Barton MP
by becoming a TMP member today! Only $22!
Join and help TMP advocate for improved road safety,
public transport and a viable commercial passenger
vehicle industry in Victoria.
MEMBERSHIP
WITH US IS ONLY
$22 PER YEAR
TMP LEADER ROD BARTON MP’S LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
✔ TAXI FARE INCREASE
The first for 13 years and the Essential Services Commission will no longer hold
responsibility for setting the fares for rank and hail taxi services. Taxi fares will now
be set by the Fair Work Commission each year around the Consumer Price Index.
✔ BUSINESS SUPPORT PACKAGE
Thereby allowing drivers in the taxi and hire car industry to be included in the
Victorian Business Support Package. There was an initial $5,000 grant, then
$2,000, and recently $2,800.
✔ADVISORY PANEL
Advising the government on key issues relating to the ongoing sustainability of the
Victorian Commercial Passenger Vehicle industry.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
Be part of a movement that September matters.... 2021
www.transportmatters.org.au/join
17

THINK YOU’RE A GOOD
DRIVER?
Of course, you do. You’re human.
BUT WHAT MAKES YOU
A GOOD DRIVER?
Not doing these…
18 September 2021

Not parking neatly
It’s not hard to park a car
properly, but when a car isn’t,
it gets noticed quickly. Not only
does this make other motorists
furious, you’ll likely annoy
pedestrians and could end
up being shamed somewhere
like Australia’s Worst Parkers
Facebook page or similar. It’s
inconsiderate to others, and you
risk damage to your car.
Riding the clutch
This is a sure way to wear out the
clutch prematurely. Keep your
foot off the clutch unless you’re
actually changing gear – you
need your foot as a brace.
Holding the steering
wheel wrong
Hold it at a quarter to three (not
ten to two), so you have good
control and don’t hook your hands
inside the rim as you’ll be injured in
the event of an airbag going off.
Unnecessary stops
The mark of a driver who isn’t
observing what’s happening, and
then you’re just wasting fuel and
brake pads.
Following too close
Not only can you not react in
time to problems, but you also
can’t see problems developing.
You don’t get there any quicker,
so settle down and back off.
Bad observation
Being surprised by things when
you could and should have seen
and predicted them from a long
way back. Sooner or later, you’ll
have an accident.
Being distracted
Not focusing on the drive is a
terribly problem that only seems
to be growing, thanks to mobile
phones. There’s a reason it’s an
offence.
Fondling the gear lever
If you’re not actually changing
gear, your hand shouldn’t be
anywhere near the gear lever.
Blokes love this for reasons we’d
best not explore. If you think you
might need to quickly change
gear to deal with an unexpected
situation you’ll react with the
steering wheel and pedals – not
the gearshift.
And the worst sin of all?
Not improving, and blaming
others for everything. Every
time you drive, you will make
mistakes, and you need to
recognise them, identify the
problem, and improve. Even
if it “wasn’t your fault,” ask
yourself if you could have done
something to avoid the nearmiss.
Good drivers ask themselves that
question as they know there’s
no point having “I was right” on
their tombstone.
source: PRACTICAL MOTORING
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
19

NEW SOUTH WALES news
NSW News
Uber Fails
SAFETY
AUDIT
Uber has been fined
over $200,000 after a
year-long NSW Point
to Point Transport
Commission audit.
The rideshare company
failed to report over
500 incidents to the
regulator.
Driver fatigue, incident
management and driver
training were areas of
concern.
The findings resulted
in Uber being fined
$203,500 and issued
with 13 improvement
notices on August 12.
To regulate safety, the NSW Point to Point Transport
Commissioner frequently audits Taxi, rideshare and other point
to point transport service providers in NSW. The Commissioner
recently finalised a safety audit of Uber in NSW, which identified
several areas where Uber has been directed to improve the
safety of its services.
The audit identified instances where Uber’s systems were not
being used properly or did not operate as intended in NSW.
There were also gaps in addressing specific risk areas in NSW.
The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony
Wing, said “Given its size and scope, Uber has implemented
sophisticated systems to manage safety on its platform,
however, Uber needs to make sure that this technology is doing
what it is meant to do at all times.”
“Safety is my priority, and regardless of a business’ size,
compliance with the law is necessary to achieve this. Most
service providers will not be the same size as Uber, but all
service providers need to make sure that they are effectively
managing and improving the safety of their services in a practical
way and in a way which is appropriate for their size,” Mr Wing
added.
Areas of particular concern include:
Driver fatigue – despite systems that Uber has in place, the audit
found that over a two-week sample period, 37% of drivers had
more than 12 hours of continuous driving time, with some cases
of up to 17 hours of continuous driving.
20 September 2021

NEW SOUTH WALES news
Incident management – Uber’s
application of its systems
used to manage passenger
complaints and incidents are not
effective enough and require
improvement. For example –
over a six-month period, more
than 50 drivers were identified as
having had multiple complaints
of driver distraction (mobile
phone use) and drowsy driving
yet remained active on their
platform.
Driver training – Uber provides
online training for drivers but
does not monitor whether the
training is undertaken properly.
Notifiable occurrences – Uber
did not report a number of
notifiable occurrences to
the Commissioner as soon as
practicable. These delays meant
the Commissioner could not
make timely considerations as to
whether Uber took appropriate
actions to mitigate associated
risks or whether the incidents
had implications for the wider
point to point transport industry.
The NSW Point to Point
Transport Commissioner has
fined Uber $203,500 for failing to
report 561 notifiable incidents,
including collisions and accidents
requiring hospitalisation. And,
Uber is also required to conduct
an independent quality assurance
audit to ensure its complex
systems are appropriately
integrated.
Transport Workers Union (TWU)
National Secretary Michael
Kaine said, “The safety breaches
uncovered are serious, alarming in
number, and put lives in danger,
but the fine is a slap on the wrist
that won’t even register a blip on
the Uber balance sheet.”
“It will be written-off as the cost
of doing business: the cashed-up
Silicon Valley giant will sign the
cheque and continue the cycle of
exploitation that is injuring and
killing people in the deadly pursuit
of profits. How many Australian
workers need to be seriously
hurt or die before governments
actually take on these corporate
bullies?”
“The solution is Federal regulation
with teeth which can get to the
root causes of driver exploitation
and poor safety conditions in the
industry.”
Uber has a history of failing to
report serious incidents, including
last year when it covered up the
death of an UberEats delivery
rider killed on the job by claiming
he was not working, despite the
rider being logged into Uber’s app
and receiving order requests even
after he had died.
The TWU is calling on the Federal
Government to urgently put in
place an independent body with
the power to tackle the root
causes of safety breaches in
exploitative businesses like Uber,
arguing that post-breach audits
and insufficient penalties will not
prevent people being maimed or
killed.
TWU National Secretary Michael
Kaine said the revelations show
why Federal regulation of the
industry is the only way to prevent
deaths and injuries: “Once again
we have a response from the NSW
Government which largely lets
Uber off the hook and is too late
to the party.”
“Federal Government inaction has
allowed Uber to act like there’s
one set of rules for them, and
another for everyone else. If any
other employer breached their
obligations over 500 times, they’d
have the book thrown at them,”
Mr Kaine concluded.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
21

NEW SOUTH WALES news
NSW
Taxi Drivers
VACCINATION
APPOINTMENTS
Taxi Drivers can now book for a vaccination appointment with a
participating Chemist Warehouse pharmacy in NSW to access the
AstraZeneca vaccine.
Taxi Drivers are being provided with a QR code and a website link
to make an appointment with their nearest participating Chemist
Warehouse pharmacy. They are required to answer a few questions
to confirm their eligibility before booking an appointment.
Bankstown
Birkenhead Point SC
Blacktown
Bondi Junction
Casula DC
Chatswood
Crows Nest
Manly
Maroubra
Mayfield
Punchbowl
Currently, the list of participating NSW Chemist
Warehouse pharmacies include;
The list is being updated on a progressive basis
as more and more pharmacies come on board.
Rockdale Plaza
Shellharbour
St Marys
Strathfield Plaza
Sydney (George St)
Sydney Olympic Park
The Grove Liverpool
Turramurra
Westfield Hornsby
Westfield Parramatta
Wollongong
How NOT to Wear a Face Mask
“The Escape Hatch”
“The Earring”
“The Sniffer”
“The Stache”
“The Nose Plug”
The NSW Taxi Council continues to work with the NSW Government
to ensure a COVID-safe NSW Taxi Industry.
“The Neckbeard”
22 September 2021

WOULD YOU
SAY SOMETHING?
Then you’re the kind of person to ask ‘R U OK?’
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
For tips on how to ask, visit ruok.org.au
23

Get
to Know...
Charles Mathews
Equipment Finance Broker, Finlease
For the past 5 years, I have been assisting
business owners with vehicle, equipment and
business finance across a diverse range of
industries at varying levels of development –
from established companies to new start up sole
traders with potential.
My role involves but is not limited to acting
as a key advocate for my clients to the banks,
ensuring they are represented in their best but
most accurate light to achieve the most effective
outcome.
Having grown up in Mudgee, NSW, I have a great
appreciation and understanding for agriculture/
farming and mining which are key to the region.
Prior to my focus in finance, I was a part of the
Qantas and Qantas Defence team for 9 years:
working on the C130 H & J model Hercules
Aircraft at the RAAF base. I was subsequently
transferred to Mascot as a Heavy Vehicle Diesel
Mechanic, servicing Qantas’ fleet of ground
support equipment at Sydney Airport. I believe
this knowledge and expertise assists me in
recognising the issues business owners can face
when managing their gear and fleet.
Socially I am a massive cricket and NRL fan and
have played 15 years of grade cricket in Sydney
with the likes of Hawkesbury, UNSW and St
George.
We
asked
Charles...
1. Who is someone you admire,
and why?
Richard Branson – speaks for
himself, the man just flew through
space.
2. Tell me three pet peeves.
(a) Poor customer service
(b) Slow internet
(c) Dog owners not picking up
after their pets
3. Do you have any skills or
talents that most people don’t
know about?
I am a level 2 cricket coach
and coach in the Sydney grade
competition, the last 7 years I
have been coach at Hawkesbury
CC, and this upcoming season I’ll
be coaching at Mosman Cricket
club as their fast bowling coach.
4. If you could be anywhere
other than here, right this
minute, where would you be?
Hawaii – Waikiki Beach with the
family
5. Flashback to when you were 10
years old. What did you want to
be when you grew up?
A pro football or cricketer.
24 September 2021

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TAA is a non profit body run by members for members.
Visit our website at www.taa-national.com.au
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www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
25

ACT News
FOOD DELIVERY
Drivers
feeling
vulnerable
Delivery drivers who have kept
food flowing in lockdown say
they are the forgotten workers
of the pandemic.
Nobody quite knows how many
people there are delivering food
in cars and on bikes in Canberra,
but they say they deserve
recognition – and some rights.
There are a host of companies
that organise deliveries of
food and supermarket goods:
Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Menulog,
DoorDash, Easi, chowbus, Yello
and Sherpa.
But the drivers the companies
contract on a freelance basis feel
vulnerable.
“We can’t wait for a driver to
get infected or to die before we
are recognised,” driver Nabin
Adhikari said.
26 September 2021

He said there was no priority
given to drivers to get vaccinated
even though their work
entailed moving to all parts of
Canberra, including sites where
the infected had been. He was
waiting for his first vaccination.
Their legal position is unclear.
In NSW there is a specific
exemption from lockdown
rules for “courier or delivery
services”, but nothing spelt out
so specifically in the ACT.
The main complaint of the drivers
The Canberra Times talked to
was they were under intense –
and increasing - pressure. They
provide their own vehicles and in
some cases pay the company an
“administration fee”.
The pay is not high. An order to
pick up food from McDonald’s
in Fyshwick, for example, and
deliver to Brindabella Circuit
in Pialligo 2.7 kilometres away,
earned the driver $3.50.
There were safety issues in the
industry, according to Rushkar
Samal. Pressure of time meant it
was not possible to stop during
a delivery, but new destinations
were coming in on the phone app
as they drove.
The leader of the Transport
Workers’ Union, Michael Kaine,
said the Canberra drivers were
right to feel excluded.
They don’t have the protections
which employees have because
they are deemed to be
“independent contractors” to
the companies rather than direct
employees.
“They are under incredible
pressure. It’s really ugly. If the
wheels don’t turn, they don’t get
paid,” the union leader said.
“It’s the modern ‘Hungry
Mile’,” he said, referring to the
Depression in the 1930s where
lines of men would wait for work.
The drivers don’t confine
themselves to one company (or
“platform”, as they call it) but
carry apps on their phones with
orders for pick-up and delivery
for many of the companies. They
don’t have to accept the order.
Each company’s contract is
different.
One breakthrough came in May
when the Fair Work Commission
ruled a former Deliveroo
rider was an employee and,
therefore, entitled to the rights
of an employee. That wouldn’t
necessarily apply to all delivery
drivers, but it still represented
what they viewed as an
improvement.
“The gig-economy has
traditionally assumed its workers
are independent contractors
rather than employees, and
the financial viability of its
operational model hinges on this
assumption,” according to the
law firm Bird and Bird.
by STEVE EVANS
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
27

NEW SOUTH WALES news
overseas news
Nexar partners with the
Black Car Fund to protect
New York rideshare
drivers with thousands of
cameras in cars
by TELEMATICS
NEW YORK, USA: Nexar, a leading
AI computer vision company,
announced a partnership with the
Black Car Fund (BCF), New York
State’s workers’ compensation
provider for independent
contractor black car operators,
including rideshare drivers.
The partnership will place cameras
in thousands of cars to protect
their members in the case of an
accident or assault.
Nexar’s AI-powered dual-camera
dash cams detect collisions,
immediately notify BCF, and then
send a detailed reenactment of
the crash within minutes, allowing
BCF to begin processing their
workers’ comp claim.
“The Black Car Fund was formed
by a New York State statute over
20 years ago to provide workers’
comp for independent drivers who
otherwise wouldn’t be insured
for on-the-job injuries,” said Ira
Goldstein, Executive Director of
BCF. “Drivers are often unaware
of their rights and the benefits
available to them and may not
know where to turn to if they are
injured. Nexar’s technology allows
us to proactively reach out and
support them when our help is
most needed.”
Azam Hoosain is a Nexar camera
user who was driving passengers
for Uber when he was struck from
behind. This caused his vehicle to
flip over and seriously injure him.
Nexar contacted Hoosaim, made
him aware of the protections
provided by BCF and assisted him
with his claim, which, as a result
of workers’ comp, covered all
medical expenses and saved him
from a lawsuit.
Ashish Sapkota was driving for
Lyft when a passenger violently
assaulted him. The incident was
captured by Nexar, and BCF was
able to help the traumatized driver
file a claim after the incident left
him too scared to work.
28 September 2021

OVERSEAS news
Oxford taxi drivers
protest against Uber’s
‘Local Cab’ pilot
scheme
by PERRY RICHARDSON | taxi-point.co.uk
OXFORD, ENGLAND: Taxi
and private hire drivers
converged at Oxford
Town Hall to express their
frustrations at a new pilot
partnership with global ridehailing
firm Uber and local
cab company 001 Oxford.
Drivers in the area were seen
to be protesting against
Uber’s ‘Local Cab’ feature
which allows passengers
to book a trip with a local
taxi company through the
Uber app. Cabbies working
in the area are concerned
the partnership may put the
livelihoods of drivers not
working on the 001 Oxford
platform at risk.
Last month Oxford
City Council’s deputy
leader described Uber’s
‘Local Cab’ offering as
‘murky’ when it came
to defining the global
ride-hailing firm as an
operator or a platform
provider.
The Local Cab option
integrates with Autocab’s iGo
network, which the firm says
has the potential to connect
passengers with 80,000
private hire and taxi drivers in
the UK.
Operator 001 Taxis Oxford is
fully licensed by Oxford City
Council, however the global
ride-hailing service Uber
remains unregistered as a
private hire operator in the
region.
According to the BBC, Oxford
City Council Deputy Leader
and Green Transport and
Zero Carbon Oxford Cabinet
Member, Tom Hayes, voiced
his concerns earlier this
month. He said: “The waters
are murky, whether you
define Uber as an operator or
a platform provider.
“We have not licensed Uber
in the city. We haven’t done
that because we wanted to
support the local taxi trade,
whether that’s private hire or
Hackney.”
39 km/h for
Paris city streets
by CHRISTOPHER CAREY
PARIS, FRANCE – A speed limit of 30
kilometres per hour has come into force on
almost all Parisian streets.
The measure has been introduced to
increase traffic safety, create more space
for cyclists, reduce noise pollution and
contribute to climate protection.
“The point is to reduce the space taken
by cars, which involves lowering their
speeds,” said Paris Deputy Mayor, David
Belliard.
“It is first of all a safety measure to
ensure the safety of the most vulnerable:
pedestrians and cyclists. The overwhelming
majority of serious or fatal accidents in
Paris are caused by cars or heavy goods
vehicles.”
Prior to the introduction of the new
measure, around 60 percent of Parisian
roads had a 30 kilometres per hour limit –
except main ring roads and highways.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has championed
the transformation of the city’s streets
from a car-centric model to one that
prioritises pedestrians and cyclists.
As part of her re-election campaign in
February 2020, Hidalgo announced plans
to transform Paris into a ’15-minute city’
– where residents would be able to reach
necessary amenities such as schools,
offices, shops, parks, health centres
through a 15-minute walk or bike ride –
shifting dependency away from cars in
order to cut air pollution levels.
www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
29

Driver JOBS
NEW SOUTH WALES
NELSON BAY
Nelson Bay Taxis are looking to hire additional drivers
in preparation of COVID restrictions easing. Drivers are
required to assist in the transport of passengers around
the Tomaree Peninsula to medical appointments, shopping
trips and social engagements. You must have held a full
NSW driver licence for at least 12 months and willing to get
an ABN and be registered for GST. Forward your resume to
combinedlimos@gmail.com or phone (02) 4984 6699.
COFFS HARBOUR TAXIS
Taxi drivers needed in Coffs Harbour area. Both am and
pm shifts are available in sedan and maxis, weekdays
and weekends. Minimum age of 25, on the job training,
uniform provided, all costs covered by base. Call 02
66586522 or email Rowan via: fleetsupervisor@coffstaxis.
com.au for more info.
WOLLONGONG - WANT A CAREER CHANGE?
This could be an opportunity for you to join the team
at the Illawarra Taxi Network. Become your own boss
working flexible hours. Full training and assistance with
your application is available. Must have a full NSW Driver’s
Licence for 12 months. Call (02) 4254 2120 or email john.
megas@illawarrataxinetwork.com.au for more details.
VICTORIA
EAST DONCASTER
Driver wanted ful time for Silver Top car. Please call
Harvey 0404 847 699.
SHEPPARTON
Lots of opportunities than Melbourne to operate a
INDEPENDENT taxi in Shepparton. No expensive local
network fees. Ralph 0473 189 190
EAST DONCASTER
Hungry Driver Wanted. all shifts available- Day, Night parttime
and full time. Phone 0409 357 614.
NORTHERN SUBURBS
Full time taxi driver wanted. Must have taxi licence.
Looking for someone to start ASAP. A lot of work provided
on dispatch. Looking for someone who lives in the
northern suburbs. Call 0404 020 333.
GEELONG
Looking for a professional and reliable driver to join
our fleet as a casual. Must have exceptional customer
service and communication skills, be well presented
and organised, and know their way around Geelong.
Need a medium or heavy rigid licence. Available to
work Sundays, flexible working hours. Training will be
provided. Applicants must be Australian residents and
have WWCC and Police Check. Hourly rates negotiable.
Geelong Hummer Limousines 1800 486 637.
EAST DONCASTER
Must be 25+ years old. At least 3 years experience. East
Doncaster changeover. Call or SMS Tony on 0413 393
594 or email tonysursock@gmail.com.
SHEPPARTON
Shepparaton Taxis Pty Ltd now has opportunities to
join our fleet as a taxi operator. A limited amount of
leases are available. If you are interested in operating
your own taxi please contact 03 5331 4367 or email
stephen@shepptaxis.com.au.
BAYSIDE TAXI SERVICE
Great set price deals with our 50 series hybrids on lpg.
Bayside Taxi Service, 313 Bay Road, Cheltenham. Call
(03) 9555 1155 or 0414 566 779.
WODONGA - GET OUT OF THE RAT RACE
Less stress? Less traffic? Cheaper living? Why not drive
a taxi in Wodonga? We have permanent day shift, night
shift, sedans and WAT vehicles. Contact Wodonga
Taxis on (02) 6024 3839.
GISBORNE, KILMORE, SUNBURY, WALLAN,
WHITTLESEA, WOODEND
Looking for drivers full time, day and night shift,
starting asap. Must have a Taxi Driver’s Certificate and
live in the area. Call Emre on 0404 020 333 or 1300 12
13 14.
BALLARAT
Ballarat Taxis Ltd now has opportunities for drivers
for all shifts. Permanent or part time, day or night
shifts in sedans or WAVs. We have opportunities
to lease for those who are interested in operating
their own taxi. Call (03) 5331 4367 or email admin@
ballarattaxis.com.au.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TRANMERE
Friday or Saturday Night Driver wanted. Immediate
start. Call 0416 821 840.
DRIVER CAREERS
If you’re thinking of a career as a taxi driver, come and
join Adelaide’s largest taxi company. Great income
potential with all shifts available in all metro areas. Call
ADELAIDE INDEPENDENT TAXIS on 8202 1200 to book
your free information session.
CANBERRA
OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS - TAXI OPERATOR
Are you a taxi driver looking to become your own
boss? If you are, talk to us about leasing a taxi plate
and working with Canberra’s biggest taxi fleet. We
will help you through the process of becoming an
accredited taxi operator and starting your own
business. Contact fleet@aerialcg.com or call our
Office (02) 6126 1500.
ACT CABS
Earn money driving. Flexible work. Easy to get
started. Training and support for new drivers. ​Full
time, part time and casual driver positions available.
Great working conditions and you’re backed by an
experienced team of support staff who know the taxi
industry inside out. Phone ACT Cabs Admin business
hours on (02) 6103 0882.
CANBERRA ELITE TAXIS
We need drivers for Canberra’s biggest and most
experienced taxi fleet. Day, night and weekend
shifts available. If you don’t already have a valid
ACT “T” licence condition we can help you through
the process quickly. For more information email
feedback@aerialcg.com or call (02) 6126 1500.
\
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
PERTH BLACK & WHITE CABS
Day shifts (5-7 days). Call Georgina on (08) 9230 0400.
CROWN CABS
Drivers wanted full time or part time in Morley and
Perth. Contact Tuna Guclu on 0419 484 666.
& DRIVERS
OWNERS, OPERATORS
ADVERTISE
HERE FREE
Send details (word limit=50) of your
DRIVER or JOB advertisement to
contact@drivenow-magazine.com.au
or sms 0400 137 866 and we will print
your advert here for 3 months.
MANDURAH TAXIS
All shifts available, especially nights, weekends and
wheelchair bus drivers. Flexible hours – work to suit
your lifestyle. Good income and all training provided
free. Call (08) 9581 8999.
QUEENSLAND
KENSINGTON, BUNDABERG
Taxi Driver needed, must have an open licence and no
traffic offences. contact 0429 066 111.
MOOROOKA
Want to make extra money? Drive casually and join
us driving a taxi, business class, maxi and camrys
available. Casual, Full time and weekend only shift
available. Change over at Moorooka. Call 0413 214
852.
RANK MARSHALL
Rank Watch is looking for a rank marshall for the
Noosa Rank for Friday and Saturday nights. On a
week on / week off roster. If you are interested
please email eli@suncoastcabs.com.au and your
details will be passed onto appropriate personnel.
WARWICK TAXI CABS
Immediate Start. No experience needed. Full time
& part time positions available. Day & night shifts
available. Full training provided. Please contact
our team by phoning: 0427599170 or email: admin@
warwicktaxicabs.com.au.
BRISBANE CROWN CABS
All shifts available – 7 days per week. Please phone
Tuna Guclu - 0419 484 666.
BLACK & WHITE
All shifts available. Home changeover available
all over Brisbane. Set Pay or 50/50 Commission.
Limited Set pay cars available. Albion Cab Centre.
Call Ronnie today on 0411 864 392.

Only $ 35 for
50 words
Payment details are
listed on page 2
ADVERTISE HERE!
• meters for sale and installation
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www.cpvcentre.com.au - call 0434 423 423
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Schmidt Electronic Laboratories Pty Ltd
907 Princes Highway, Springvale, Vic.
Ph: (03) 9546 6990 — Email: info@schmidt.com.au
Website: www.schmidt.com.au
Apollo Bay Taxi Business
For Sale - $50k neg
This long established Taxi business has been operating
for over 10 years. No competition and regular repeat
customers. Apollo Bay is a busy growing coastal town
and is well supported by tourists. Perfect for an owner/
operator and there is plenty of scope to improve and
grow the business. Email Phil: abtaxi@hotmail.com
Maxi Taxi Business For Sale
Located in the rapidly growing area of West Gippsland in
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Visit www.taxiservices.com.au or call 0434 423 423.
Best Prices - Call us Last!
Leases Wanted - Brisbane
We are expanding in Brisbane. We will pay $100 to lease
assignments. Call into our office in Salisbury & ask for Tuna
Guclu or call 0419 484 666 to discuss price & terms.

SEPTEMBER 2021 - EDITION 49
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3
BIGGEST CAUSES OF
DRIVING DISTRACTIONS
DRIVER,
VEHICLE DESIGN
& TRAFFIC SIGNS
34 September 2021

Road signs should direct us where
to go, where to stop and when
to turn.
But when you’re driving, how
many signs do you notice or miss
completely? If you change the
radio station or turn down the air
conditioning, how long do you
take your eyes off the road to find
the button or dial?
Emeritus Professor Michael
Regan, from UNSW School of Civil
and Environmental Engineering,
is a psychologist specialising in
human transportation factors.
He says, “Our road and transport
environment is designed to
help us to get from point A to
point B. However, there is a fine
line between what should be
capturing our attention to assist
us along that journey and what is
a risk of being a distraction.”
“For example, things such as
advertising billboards along
highways draw the driver’s
attention to whatever is being
promoted in the ad. But at the
same time, they are a source of
distraction and may instead draw
the driver’s attention away from
things that are critical for safe
driving – such as being focused on
the road ahead.”
“There are many factors that
come into play when designing a
transport environment that is safe
for all users – but it needs to be
designed from a human-centred
perspective because, ultimately,
we’ll be the ones using it.”
The cockpit design of cars has
changed drastically over the years
with a shift to more interactive
features and functions such as
touch screen displays and Apple
CarPlay. While these are meant to
enhance the driving experience,
they can often be a distraction for
the driver.
“Research has shown that
approximately 70 per cent
of distractions are within the
vehicle,” says Prof. Regan.
“Actions such as selecting
radio stations with touchscreen
displays, entering destinations
into navigation systems or even
reaching for something in the
glove box while the vehicle is in
motion, are all distractions and
pose a huge risk to the driver.
“If you take your eyes off the
road for two seconds, it’s been
shown that you double your risk
of a collision. Any longer than two
seconds, and the risk of a crash
increases exponentially.
“As vehicle cockpits inherit
more functionality and become
more interactive, we need to
ensure the driver’s safety is not
compromised.”
The Australian New Car
Assessment Program (ANCAP)
gives star ratings for the vehicle’s
ability to protect the occupants
in the event of a crash. A higher
rating is awarded for vehicles
with active safety systems, such
as autonomous emergency
braking, which assist the driver
in preventing or minimising
the effects of a crash with
pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles.
In a perfect world, all road and
transport environments will be
designed with a human-centred
perspective to minimise human
error and optimise safety. But at
the end of the day, humans will
still be prone to conditions that
may degrade driving performance
and safety.
“Road users who are cognitively
distracted – for example, when
talking on their mobile phone
about something complex or
emotional - may see a traffic light
change colour but not respond to
it,” says Prof. Regan.
“That’s what we call intentional
blindness, it’s the look-but-fail-tosee
phenomenon, and it’s an issue
for drivers and pedestrians too.
“Drivers and other road users
will continue to be prone to
distraction, fatigue and other
human conditions. However,
there is much that can be done,
through good human-centred
design, to enhance their safety
and prevent crashes.”
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www.drivenow-magazine.com.au
September 2021
35

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