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 

drivenowmagazine drivenowmagazine 

Editor 

Mrs Toni Peters 

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Amy Peters & Isobel Sparrow 

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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. 


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 


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. 


Book your free vaccination today 

australia.gov.au 

Or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services call 131 450. 


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. 


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 



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. 


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. 



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. 


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 



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? 


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 

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23 Lessons | $49.00 

Limousine, Taxi, Hire Car, Ride Share 

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for Transport Drivers 

22 Lessons | $ FREE 



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 


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 



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 


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. 


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… 


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 



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. 



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. 



21


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” 


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

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. 


TRADE 

DIRECTORY 

TAXI CAMERA DEALS!! 

BUY OR RENT 

Installment Plans for Approved Customers 

Rent from only $22 per month 

G5 TAXIMETERS – RENT OR BUY 

Protect your Privacy 

Keep control of your business 

Schmidt Electronic Laboratories Pty Ltd 

Call (03) 9546 6990 info@schmidt.com.au 

www.schmidt.com.au 

FOR FULL DETAILS VISIT 

www.drivenow-magazine.com.au/2021-specials.html 

TAA is a non profit body run by members for members. 

Visit our website at www.taa-national.com.au 

CAR 

WASH 

FREE HOT DRINK 

WITH EVERY AUTO CAR WASH 

MELBOURNE AIRPORT UNIGAS 

MELROSE DRIVE, TULLAMARINE 

Hot drink available at Melrose Lounge - Taxi Holding Area 

Collect voucher from Unigas Office 



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. 


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 



27


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. 


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. 



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 


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. 


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 

• cars for sale & for lease 

• businesses for sale 

• taxi security cameras 

• finance or insurance 

• vehicle repairs 

Basically anything that can be used with, in or 

for a taxi, hire car, limousine. 

CPV Centre 

For all your CPV requirements 

• Security cameras and equipment installation 

• 30 years Master Mechanic 

• RIDESHARE Mini Internal Cameras CPVV approved 

• Taxi Domes / Taxi stickers / Taxi Tactile / Braille # 

• Independent Taxi 

• Cabcharge supply and installation 

• Car window tinting 

www.cpvcentre.com.au - call 0434 423 423 

Discount Taxi Equipment 

Specialists 

Everything you need for an Independent Taxi 

• Rent or Buy - installments available for Approved 

Customers 

• Low Cost Taxi Cameras 

• G5 Taximeters - protect your privacy and keep 

control of your business 

• Automated CPVV Booked Trip Reports 

• Duress Alarm and Tracking 

• EFTPOS and MPTP installations 

• Roof Lights and Spot Lights 

• Roof Racks 

• 2 year warranty on all installations 

• Decals and Tactile door numbers 

• Professional Back-up Service 

• More than 40 years experience fitting Taxis 

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 

Victoria, two Maxi Taxis plus goodwill with plenty of room 

for more growth. Full training can be provided by current 

owners and financials are available upon request. $130,000 

ONO. For more info please phone 0448 442 525. 

Transport Security Cameras 

Approved industry cameras 

* Latest Technology MDVR, internal & external 

* 1 Tb heavy duty Hard Drive 

* Audio & video capable 

* Warranty 100% on all parts & equipment 

* Lowest installation fees 

* Over 28 years experience in the Transport Industry 

We will BEAT any Price 

Book your next appointment on our website at 

www.transportsecuritycameras.com.au or 

phone/SMS: 0419484666. 

Approved CPV 

Taxi Security Camera-THS VIC1 

• THS VIC1 - Latest Technology - 1080P 1TB HD 

• Taxi Braille - Tactile numbering - CCTV stickers 

• CabCharge approved installer / repairer 

• 30 years Master Mechanic / Technician 

• ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL CPVs 

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 

PICK UP YOUR OWN COPY 

EVERY MONTH FROM THESE BUSINESSES 

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Southport 


Salisbury 

Crown Cabs, Occhi's Business 

Class Taxis 

Toowoomba 


Virginia 

QLD Limo Action Group, 


Wooloongabba 

13cabs Brisbane 

SA 

Adelaide Airport 

13cabs - Adelaide 

Mile End 

Adelaide Independent 

Taxis 

Wayville 

Equity Transport 

Kilburn 

Suburban Taxis 

Mile End South 

Taxi Council of SA 

WA 

NSW 

Alexandria 

13cabs, NSW 

Taxi Council 

Arncliffe 

Sanitisation 

Station 

Bankstown 

Mikhael & Co 

Mech Repairs 

Cromer 

Manly Warringah 

Cabs 

Granville 

Premier Cabs 

Dubbo 

Dubbo Bus Lines 

Kingsgrove 

St George Cabs 

Leumeah 

Sanitisation 

Station 

Mascot 

RSL Cabs, 

GM Cabs 

Victoria Park 

Swan Taxis Pty Ltd 

Belmont 


13cabs 

Greenfields 

Mandurah Taxis 

Osborne Park 

Nova Communications 

Perth Airport 

Perth Airport Taxi Rank 

Victoria Park 

ComfortDelGro (WA) 

Wangara 


Cameras 

Mayfield West 

13cabs 

Newscastle 

13cabs 

North Parramatta 

Sanitisation 

Station 

Padstow 

Black & White 

Cabs 

Prestons 

13cabs, Taxi Tech 

Seven Hills 

Sanitisation 

Station 

Tamworth 

Sanitisation 

Station 

Wagga Wagga 

Wagga Taxis 

West Gosford 

Central Coast 

Taxis 

Wolli Creek 

Legion Cabs 

Wollongong 

lllawarra Taxis 

ACT 

Aerial Taxis 

Canberra Cabs 

Canberra Elite Taxis 

TAS 

131008 Hobart 

Taxi Combined 

Services 

NT 

13cabs Alice 

Springs 

Casuarina Blue Taxis 

Darwin Radio Taxi

3 

BIGGEST CAUSES OF 

DRIVING DISTRACTIONS 

DRIVER, 

VEHICLE DESIGN 

& TRAFFIC SIGNS 


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.” 

Advertisers’ 

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AMS Ivanhoe Lawyers.................. 19 

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Depot Maestro.........................11, 25 

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Embassy Cafe...................................7 

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Schmidt Elec. Labs........................ 25 

Transport Alliance Australia.......... 25 

Transport Matters Party............... 17 



35

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