DRIVE NOW December 2021/January 2022

DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 - EDITION 51 

National 

Magazine 

Taxis, Hire Cars, 

Wedding Cars, 

Limousines 

Owners, Drivers, 

Partners, Operators 

Suppliers, Networks, 

Booking Service 

Providers

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Seasons 

‘ 

greetings 

& happy holidays! 

Thank you to all our partner Operators and 

Drivers for your support throughout the year. 

Taxis are back in fashion, so we are looking forward 

to working with you throughout a busy 2022. 

Don’t forget, refer a friend and you will both 

benefit with a month worth of free network fees. 

Call the office now to find out more details.

drivenowmag drivenowmag 

drivenowmagazine drivenowmagazine 

Editor 

Mrs Toni Peters 

Production Team 

Amy Peters, Antonella Kearns and 

Isobel Sparrow 

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4 December 2021/January 2022

30 

14 

34 

24 

WHAT’S INSIDE 

STAYING COOL IN 

SUMMER 

HEAT 

VICTORIA 

8 TAA - 2021: A year in review. 

12 Melbourne Airport taxi terminal rank given to Uber. 

13 

DOs and DON’Ts for transporting passengers with 

disability. 

14 Melbourne Airport in bed with Uber. 

NSW 

18 NSW Taxi Council partnership with Mobil. 

20 

NSW Government’s electric vehicle strategy helping 

bridge the EV costs. 

FEATURES 

24 

30 

Where you can go in Australia - the rules for each 

State and Territory. 

Driver fatigue is the second biggest killer on 

Australian roads. 

34 Staying cool in Summer heat. 

28 Taxi fares for rank and hail trips. 

29 Mobile phone and seatbelt cameras. 

OVERSEAS 

44 Uber’s application to expand in B.C. rejected. 

46 

QUEENSLAND 

WESTERN AUS. 

32 Road closure in Perth during New Year’s eve. 

32 Special Christmas day co-payment for WAV drivers. 

SOUTH AUS. 

36 Driver vaccination update. 

37 

Is RedBook the right entity to be undertaking 

personal passenger transport vehicle RWCs? 

38 Access taxi drivers to get new lifting fee. 

Massachusetts’ taxi business see hope after the 

pandemic shifts power in transportation. 


December 2021/January 2022 

5

FROM THE 

Editor 

Governments around Australia are constantly 

updating their requirements to ensure the 

cleanliness of taxis, hire cars, and rideshare 

vehicles, and their drivers due to the COVID-19 

pandemic. 

Presently, every Australian State and territory, 

except Tasmania, mandatorily require all drivers 

and passengers of a commercial personal 

passenger vehicle to wear a mask. Rightly so, 

as there is mounting international evidence 

that COVID-19 is an airborne or dropletborne 

disease, and masks play a critical role in 

preventing the spread of this disease. 

Moreover, only Victoria, South Australia, 

Western Australia and Tasmania have mandated 

that drivers must be fully vaccinated (albeit 

that for some States this does not come into 

effect until the end of January 2022). The 

other States should rethink their stance because 

the risk of becoming severely unwell due to 

non-vaccination against COVID-19 infection is 

enormous. 

Scientists worldwide are currently reporting 

that the risk of becoming infected by touching a 

surface has been proven to be substantially low. 

The Victorian government updated their 

COVID-19 restrictions and pandemic orders on 

15 December to include: 

• “tour and transport operators, gyms and 

creative arts premises such as theatres and 

cinemas will not need to clean equipment 

between uses” and 

• “workplaces exposed to a positive 

COVID-19 case no longer need to be deep 

cleaned”. 

It is unquestionable that Commercial Passenger 

Vehicles (CPVs) fall within the category of 

“transport operators” and also serve as CPV 

drivers’ “workplace”. 

Victoria is the ONLY State to mandate that 

(CPV) drivers MUST clean frequently touched 

areas before and after their passengers. NSW 

MUST clean their vehicles at the end of their 

shift, and in South Australia, Queensland and 

ACT it is only recommended to clean when the 

shift ends. 

Not only are the Victorian orders over-cautious 

in comparison to the other States, but, for now, 

the Victorian regulator has not announced 

any changes to the cleaning of frequent 

touchpoints. 

Imagine how much time and money would be 

saved by only cleaning the CPV at the end of 

each shift. 

Toni Peters 


To all our friends, advertisers, readers 

and associates in the Australian Taxi 

and Hire Car industry 

MERRY 

Christmas 

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR 

Thank you for your support and friendship 

throughout the year. 

We wish you peace and hope at Christmas 

and a new year full of better days. Have a 

safe and wonderful holiday season. 

from the team at 


7

2021: 

A YEAR 

IN REVIEW 

Transport Alliance Australia – looking after the interests of those 

in the Australian commercial passenger transport sector. 

2021 kicked off with a feeling that it was going to be a better year than 2020. 

Restrictions were eased, people were out and about, and life appeared to be 

getting back to normal - or so we thought. 

Just after a month we saw the implementation of restrictions hit harder and 

longer than ever expected. We saw our economy dwindle - much like our taxi and 

hire car industry, thanks to the pandemic and the CPVV for allowing our roads to 

be cluttered with inexperienced “drivers”. 

André Baruch, TAA Director, reflected on the matter in the February 2021 DRIVE 

NOW edition “Driver’s Accreditations – A Right or Privilege”. André noted, 

‘The responsibilities of being a taxi or hire car driver are more onerous than just 

driving a car. You take on the primary responsibility for the care and safety of 

paying passengers – people who assume you are a professional driver and are 

paying you for your service’. He continued, ‘Transport Alliance Australia (TAA) 

believes that 2021 is the year in which our industry – an industry that has been 

trampled and destroyed by the governments that were supposed to protect it – 

should be fixed’. 

TAA is a cohesive national 

network advocating for the 

betterment of the Australian 

commercial passenger transport 

sector. 

An objective of TAA is to 

promote ideas and programs 

to assist in maintaining a high 

standard for all members. 

Through this objective, TAA 

has fostered an affiliation 

with corporate sponsor DRVR 

Training, who have developed 

a Fatigue Management course. 

The course is comprised of 23 

lessons that have been specially 

designed to give drivers an indepth 

understanding of; driver 

fatigue and its consequences, 

importance of sleep, causes of 

fatigue from medical issues, 

lifestyle choices or psychological 

problems, detecting fatigue and 

ensuring safety at the wheel. 

TAA represents its members 

at government and industry 

stakeholder meetings. 

As outlined in the June and July 

2021 DRIVE NOW editions, TAA 

facilitated meetings between 

CPVV and the Wedding Car 

Association (WCA) to address 

current issues, from both 

ends and exchange ideas on 

how to move forward. WCA 

voiced concerns over CPVV’s 


competency in making the 

Commercial Passenger Vehicle 

(CPV) industry a fairer playing 

field, illegal operators providing 

and advertising their services, 

and compliance check protocol. 

All parties agreed that public 

awareness on the issue of 

illegals needs to be increased, 

and suggestions of an effective 

advertising campaign across the 

hire car industry to highlight 

illegal operators as well as 

a social media campaign 

to encourage commercial 

passenger drivers to apply for 

a CPV Driver’s Licence and an 

Australian Business Number and 

to be registered for GST. 

Although the changes and 

resolutions involving WCA’s 

concerns are still being 

addressed and implemented, 

TAA will continue to ensure its 

members are updated with the 

most prevailing information. 

The Leader of the Transport 

Matters Party (TMP), Rod 

Barton MP, frequently joined 

TAA’s meetings throughout 

the year to discuss TMP’s 

achievements and the changes 

within the Victorian CPV 

industry. 

This year, Rod successfully 

achieved a taxi fare increase, 

the first one for 13 years. Taxi 

fares will now be set each year 

by the Fair Work Commission 

around the Consumer 

Price Index. Rod was also 

instrumental in moving the 

Multi-Purpose Taxi Program 

(MPTP) review, a huge concern 

of the Victorian CPV industry, to 

a parliamentary inquiry. 

The most significant action 

brought forward by Rod Barton 

this year was convincing the 

Victorian Treasurer to allow 

booked and unbooked CPVs 

to be included in the Business 

Support Package. However, 

some issues did arise with 

inactive drivers receiving grants 

– which was considered a 

misuse of public funds. 

OPEN FORUM 

TAA held an Open Forum in 

August 2021 to discuss the 

future and sustainability of 

Victoria’s taxi and hire car 

industry (outlined in September 

2021 DRIVE NOW edition). 

Many attendees agreed that 

Victorian regulator, CPVV, 

appears to change the rules 

to suit the needs of the big 

operators. Many also agreed 

that the government needs to 

increase the industry entry fees 

to be realistic and reflective of 

the work carried out by those 

who choose to be drivers and 

operators. Medium-sized BSPs 

were finding it difficult to 

control the compliance of their 

drivers and vehicles, yet CPVV 

won’t step in and help control 

it. Many wondered if Victoria 

Police or VicRoads would be 

sufficient in implementing 

directives and cutting out CPVV 

altogether since they are not 

following their own rules and 

regulations. 

MPTP INQUIRY 

In October 2021, Victorian 

Parliament’s Economy and 

Infrastructure Committee 

conducted an inquiry into the 

Multi Purpose Taxi Program 

(MPTP). The inquiry was 

primarily about the safety 

standards for members of the 

public who travel via the MPTP. 

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9

Multifarious industry 

stakeholders lodged written 

submissions to be considered 

by this inquiry, and a few were 

invited to present and called 

upon to be witnesses to this 

inquiry, including TAA, VTA, 

13cabs, Uber, Vision Australia, 

Bendigo Taxis, Geelong Taxis, 

Wodonga Taxis and CPVV. 

To assist with the inquiry, TAA 

made five recommendations 

that urgently need attention 

and action to ensure the needs 

of MPTP users are being met 

now and, in the future, and their 

safety is given priority. 

The recommendations were: 

• Introduction of mandatory 

training for all drivers 

operating within the 

MPTP scheme including 

education surrounding 

Disability Awareness, Sexual 

Harassment and Anti- 

Discrimination. 

• Introduction of a mandatory 

requirement for approved 

cameras in vehicles 

operating within the MPTP 

scheme to act as a deterrent 

of unethical acts and crimes 

and in the event of an 

unlawful act, accountability 

could be served. 

• Introduction of maximum 

fare rate for all MPTP trips 

to banish surge pricing 

during peak periods and 

unfairly eat into the annual 

limits of the MPTP user. 

• Introduction of a 

requirement for operators 

accredited to offer the 

MPTP rebate scheme to 

have a minimum percentage 

of their fleet as approved 

wheelchair accessible 

vehicles. 

• Introduction of mandatory 

requirement for MPTP 

service providers to have 

Comprehensive Insurance 

and Public Liability insurance 

to overlap the cover where 

one is limited. 

That concludes TAA’s year in 

review – what a year it’s been! 

We will continue to keep TAA 

members in the loop with the 

outcomes of key meetings and 

the status of ongoing issues, 

addressed in the future DRIVE 

NOW editions. 

To our members, sponsors, 

supporters and associates - 

May the holiday season end the 

present year on a cheerful note and 

make way for a fresh and bright 

New Year. Here’s wishing you a 

Happy Holidays!” 

from the TAA Directors - 

André Baruch, Jacqui Shephard 

and Toni Peters. 

Martin Meters - Oz Cab Store 

Phone: 03 9335 1551 sales@martinmeters.com.au www.ozcabstore.com.au 

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11

VIC News 

Melb Airport 

TAXI TERMINAL RANK 

GIVEN TO UBER 

Melbourne Airport has given the 

main taxi terminal rank, situated 

at the primary exit point for 

passengers at terminal 2, to Uber, 

thereby pushing taxi services 

hundreds of metres away to 

terminal 1 and upstairs at terminal 

4. 

Disabled passengers will suffer the 

greatest - as they will be forced 

into an obstacle course merely to 

reach their wheelchair accessible 

taxi. 

Melbourne Airport advises that 

in 2019, the rideshare company 

accounted for 27 per cent of 

commercial vehicle pick-ups at 

Melbourne Airport, compared to 

22 per cent for taxis. 

Jai McDermott, Chief of Ground 

Transport at Melbourne Airport, 

said that this was the reason 

behind the change. 

This data is two years old - how 

can it be used as an analytical basis 

for making decisions? 

A secretive commercial financial 

arrangement appears to exist 

between Uber and Melbourne 

Airport. 

Victorian MP Rod Barton said, 

“This is an appalling decision. This 

is a shameful commercial grab 

to prioritise the Uber business 

model over disability services and 

industry participants”. 

“Disabled passengers will now 

have to travel the length of 

the airport, and up a lift in a 

wheelchair, dragging a bag, just 

to reach a wheelchair accessible 

vehicle.” 

Uber does not offer wheelchair 

accessible vehicles and has stated 

on many occasions that this will 

not change in the near future. 

Melbourne Airport has cleared 

the way for Uber, providing 

them with an unfair commercial 

advantage, while dismissing the 

needs of vulnerable and disabled 

passengers. 

Moreover, this new Uber rank is 

not available for other rideshare 

services - just Uber. 

Is this a fair and level playing field? 

No, it is certainly is not! 

Melbourne Airport, you are 

shameful for acquiescing to 

a silicon valley multinational 

company that does not even keep 

its profits in Australia. 

Shame on you! 


VICTORIA news 



13

VICTORIA news 

MELBOURNE AIRPORT 

IN BED WITH UBER 

by Isobel Sparrow 

Uber has Melbourne Airport in 

their bed, as they have colluded 

to kick taxis from their own 

home. Melbourne Airport has 

sanctioned this rideshare giant 

the upper hand, as they will 

now have priority over taxis by 

surmounting the taxi rank in front 

of Terminal 2 and some of Terminal 

4. Taxis will be left to go to mainly 

Terminal 1. This innate decision 

will ultimately make it harder for 

those with a disability to travel to 

their destination by coercing them 

to navigate a maze of obstacles 

to reach wheelchair accessible 

vehicles. 

You may be wondering, but why 

can’t those with disabilities ride 

in an Uber? Well, it is simple. Uber 

has no disability-convivial vehicles. 

Sure, they have a few vehicles that 

may be able to hold a collapsible 

wheelchair or walker, but is this 

really good enough? 

Taxis are currently the only fully 

equipped public entity in Victoria 

that can house the personal needs 

of those with disabilities, such 

as issues with sight (have tactile 

words and reflective signage), or 

handling equipment like canes, 

walkers, and wheelchairs. 

The egalitarian nature of Australia 

is reflected in this accommodation, 

as these accessible cabs allow 

any person with a disability to 

be entitled to the same service 

as anybody else, without an 

additional charge. To make this 

service more convoluted and 

difficult for those with a disability 

to utilise contradicts our already 

progressive and equitable 

position. 

We should have vehicles readily 

available for those who need 

them, and Uber cannot provide 

this. 


VICTORIA news 

Multiple media outlets have 

focussed on the obvious, 

conspicuous issue with Uber’s 

take-over of Melbourne Airport’s 

taxi ranks, but they have forgotten 

to mention the blatant anarchy 

of the event. The main distinction 

between a taxi and rideshare 

vehicle is the taxi driver’s ability to 

accept rank and hail work. If we 

consider an e-hail to be a hail, then 

it means we are allowing Uber to 

remove itself from the definition 

of being a rideshare entity. It 

simply contests the Commercial 

Passenger Vehicle Industry Act 

(2017). But why would we enforce 

the law, right? 

Around the world, taxis have 

faced a lack of support from 

regulators. Where Uber was 

allowed to operate unregulated, 

taxis suffered licence fees, 

tests, security requisites, 

fare regulations, and other 

miscellaneous costs. 

Moreover, the Australian 

government let Uber run around 

here for a very long time illegally, 

and practically did nothing. So, 

it comes as no surprise that they 

are hiding their heads in the sand 

now. It makes us wonder, who has 

Uber bedded to make themselves 

somewhat omnipotent in the eyes 

of those who are supposed to 

enforce the law? 

Merry Christmas 

Best wishes for 2022 

to all our valued 

members and colleagues. 

Our Club continues to offer 

discounted special prices to 

support our members during the 

COVID-19 pandemic. 

VICTORIA TAXI CLUB 

128 Errol Street, North Melbourne Ph: (03) 9326 3808 



15

EVs are critical to 

CURB CLIMATE CHANGE 

A survey of 1,001 Australians by 

Savvy has revealed that 73% agree 

that moving to Electric Vehicles 

(EV) is a significant move to reduce 

CO2 emissions and keep global 

temperature rises to 1.5°C. 

As for putting their money 

towards the cause, 40% stated 

that they might purchase EVs in 

the future. However, according 

to the survey, the biggest obstacle 

to going electric is price. 79% say 

that affordability needs to improve 

before considering an EV as their 

next vehicle. 

Participants were asked their top 

three barriers to buying EVs, and 

their responses were: minimal 

government subsidies, insufficient 

infrastructure and limited travel 

range. 

As for brands, 24% said they’d most 

rather have a Hyundai, followed 

by Tesla (20%) and Mazda (12%). 

However, with 37% of respondents 

saying they would spend $25,000- 

$40,000 on their next car, most EV 

models would be well out of their 

price range. 

“There is a taste for EVs in Australia, 

but I wouldn’t say that it’s what 

everyone is clamouring for just yet,” 

says Savvy Managing Director Bill 

Tsouvalas. 

“We need an economy of scale 

and infrastructure before we hit 

anything nearing critical mass. But 

there are shoots rising out of the 

ground, and that’s a good start,” he 

added. 

The majority of those surveyed said 

they felt adamant that Australia 

should go “all in” on electric uptake 

– that means aggressively pursuing 

subsidies, more robust emissions 

standards, and buyer incentives. 

“There needs to be a push from 

industry and government to really 

make the case that EV is the future 

in terms of the environment and the 

hip-pocket,” Tsouvalas says. 


Wishing you and your family health, 

happiness, peace and prosperity this 

Christmas and in the coming New Year. 

AMS 

LAW 

AMS IVANHOE LAWYERS 

176 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe 

E: amsr@amslaw.com.au P: (03) 9497 2622 W: amslaw.com.au 


Rest In Peace 

KEVIN F GANGE 

19.11.1945 - 2.11.2021 

Kevin Francis Gange was a true gentleman and a 

matriarch of the taxi industry. Unfortunately, on 

2 November 2021, Kevin lost his long battle with 

health issues. 

Kevin had been involved in the taxi and hire car 

industry since the day he could walk - it was 

literally in his blood. The Gange family business 

evolved from the horse-drawn Hansom Cabs of 

the 19th Century to the historic Astoria Taxis and 

then Silver Top Taxis. Only a few people could 

lay claim to a longer or more decorated family 

heritage within the industry. 

Kevin was involved with all things to do with the 

Victorian taxi industry and was also the Victorian 

Taxi Association’s president for 10 years. 

Kevin’s dedication to the Victorian taxi industry is 

a testament to his commitment and dedication to 

stewardship of the taxi industry. 

A husband, father, father-inlaw, 

grandfather, and great 

grandfather, Kevin will be 

dearly missed. 

Time can never fade the 

memories of Kevin. He 

touched so many lives in 

so many ways that it is 

impossible to ever forget 

him. 

Farewell, but not forgotten. 



17

NEW SOUTH WALES news 

NSW News 

Low Taxi 

Fuel Costs 

The NSW Taxi Council is pleased to launch a new relationship to support 

Taxi networks and operators – ‘Taxi Fuels’ with Mobil Oil Australia. 

The initiative leverages the NSW Taxi Council’s role as the recognised peak 

organisation for the NSW Taxi Industry and a major contributor to the 

NSW public transport system. 

The NSW 

Taxi Council 

and Mobil 

announce 

new 

relationship 

to launch 

‘Taxi Fuels’. 

Mobil’s reputation for reliably delivering quality fuels to Australian drivers, 

from the city to the country, since 1895. 

The Taxi Fuels offer will provide participants with the opportunity to 

access high-quality Mobil fuels, which will deliver significant benefits to 

the NSW Taxi industry, that has more than 200 authorised Taxi networks, 

over 5,000 Taxi operators and more than 30,000 authorised drivers. 

“Joining with Mobil Australia to deliver quality fuels for our NSW Taxi 

operators will allow our members to maximise their vehicle operating 

efficiencies, thanks to Mobil quality fuels,” said Greg Kay, NSW Taxi 

Council Head of Partnerships. 

“We hope this will help our members to achieve significant savings on one 

of their major operating costs, supporting them to improve their business 

profitability.” 

“We’re looking forward to supporting NSW Taxi operators and providing 

opportunities to save on fuel and better manage their vehicle fleets. We 

know that Australia’s cities and regions are terrific places to visit, and with 

Mobil-branded service stations opening regularly across NSW, there’s 

plenty of opportunity to fuel with Mobil”, said Charles Ewart, from Mobil 

Oil Australia. 

“Enriched with a high-quality additive package, Mobil quality fuels protect 

against rust corrosion, remove harmful engine deposits and improve fuel 



economy whilst protecting 

your vehicle’s engine from 

the first fill.” 

Mobil will become a key 

part of the NSW Taxi 

Industry ecosystem, and the 

collaboration demonstrates 

both Mobil and the NSW Taxi 

Council are well placed to 

meet the needs of the NSW 

transport market now, and 

into the future. 

Mobil Cards can be used 

at participating Mobil 

branded service stations and 

commencing in November 

2021 at all 7-Eleven service 

stations nationwide. 

Visit the NSW Taxi Council 

website – www.nswtaxi. 

org.au to get Taxi Fuel Cost 

Benefits in NSW. 

LOW TAXI FUEL COSTS... 

YEP, THAT’S IT! 

Are you a 

• NSW Taxi Operator, 

• NSW Taxi Driver, or 

• NSW Taxi Network, 

and interested in lowering your 

ongoing fuel costs for your taxi(s)? 

APPLY FOR A 

MOBIL 

FUEL CARD 

TODAY! 

For more information, visit NSW Taxi Council website www.nswtaxi.org.au/taxi-fuel 



19


NSW GOVERNMENT’S EV STRATEGY 

HELPING BRIDGE 

THE EV COSTS 

The NSW Government is 

committed to helping private 

businesses, not-for-profits, and 

local councils bridge the cost to 

transition their fleets to electric 

passenger, light commercial 

or sports utility vehicles. NSW 

Government will invest $105 

million via a competitive reverse 

tender auction process to assist 

this transition. 

NSW Government has launched 

the Drive electric NSW EV 

fleets incentive, helping private 

businesses, not-for-profits, and 

local councils across the state 

accelerate their transition to EVs at 

a lesser cost while lowering state 

transport emissions. 

When organisations electrify their 

fleets, they are not only presented 

with a huge opportunity to reduce 

their emissions and save money 

but can have a powerful impact 

on the national market, spurring 

demand for and increasing supply 

of electric vehicles, both new and 

used. 

The incentive will help bridge the 

cost of transitioning passenger, 

light commercial or sports utility 

vehicles to either battery EVs or 

fuel cell EVs through a reverse 

tender auction process, with 

additional funds also available for 

smart base charging. 

Registrations for the first round of 

funding opened on 30 November 

2021, with funding rounds offered 

around every six months until the 

end of 2024. 

This incentive will help meet 

outcomes of the EV Strategy to 

increase EV sales to 52% by 2030- 

31 and see the vast majority of 

new car sales being EVs by 2035 

while working towards net-zero 

emissions by 2050. 



A huge thanks to all the readers of DRIVE NOW magazine 

for your ongoing support to the NSW Taxi Industry 

through this challenging year. 

We look forward to sharing more stories about the NSW 

Taxi Industry with you all in 2022. 

Have a Merry Time & Enjoy the Holidays! 

All the best from the team at the 

NSW Taxi Council and the NSW Taxi Industry 

NSW TAXI INDUSTRY 

CONFERENCE 2022 

MARCH 

27-29 

2022 

EMBRACING THE 

FUTURE TOGETHER 

at West HQ, Rooty Hill, NSW 

SAVE 

THE 

DATE 



21

BE SAFE... 

AT HOME AND ON THE ROAD 

RACV is urging Victorians to 

prepare for the holiday season 

by keeping safety top of mind 

at home, on the road and 

during holidays at our favourite 

destinations. 

After a challenging year, Victorians 

have a lot to celebrate with 

family and friends over the 

festive season. RACV is expecting 

an uptick in travel both on 

public holidays and throughout 

December and January. 

RACV Policy Lead - Safety, Elvira 

Lazar, said keeping some simple 

tips top of mind will help ensure 

everyone’s safety. 

“Whether you’re driving to a 

regional town or just across 

Melbourne for a day, it’s very 

important that you plan your 

travel,” Ms Lazar said. 

“Before you get in your car, make 

sure you do a safety check of your 

vehicle.” 

Check your fluid levels 

under your bonnet, 

including oil, coolant and 

even the windscreen 

washer level. Be sure to 

check your tyre pressure 

and that your roadside 

assistance is up to date. 

“When planning your journey, 

especially if you’re going regional, 

plan your drive along safer main 

roads. Schedule stops on these 

longer trips as this gives you a 

break from driving and means you 

are not rushing.” 

RACV also reminds everyone to 

make sure their homes are safe 

over the holiday period. 

“Make sure you’ve cleaned 

up any clutter that might be a 

trip hazard. If you have a pool, 

ensure it complies with safety 

requirements,” Ms Lazar said. 

“If you do have some time off 

work over the break, now is the 

perfect time to clean out those 

gutters which may be a fire hazard. 

Ensure your home insurance is up 

to date at an appropriate level of 

cover. 

“If you’re heading away on 

holidays, make sure your home is 

secure and let a trusted neighbour 

know that you will be away. If you 

don’t have one already, consider 

installing a security alarm.” 

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 


ENJOY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS 

and protect your loved ones 

from COVID-19 

ENJOY HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AND PROTECT YOUR 

LOVED ONES | COVID-19 | 

The best way to keep your family and friends safe 

is to get vaccinated. 

Wear a mask in public indoor 

settings. 

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces. 

Test to prevent spread to others. 

Delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. 

If you are sick or have symptoms, 

don’t host or attend gatherings. 



23

WHERE YOU CAN 

GO IN AUSTRALIA 

THE RULES FOR EACH 

STATE AND TERRITORY 

by Caroline Riches 


As Queensland opens its border, Tasmania eases travel restrictions, and 

Western Australia announces plans to finally open up, here’s a round-up of 

the latest advice if you’re travelling interstate this summer. 

With eight different jurisdictions announcing different border rules - and 

some of them adapting restrictions in the lead-up to the festive season - it can be hard to 

know what forms to fill in, whether or not to get tested and whether you may need to 

quarantine once you arrive. 

So, if you’re heading interstate this summer, these are the rules you need to follow. 

VIC 

Domestic visitors to Victoria no 

longer need to get a travel permit 

to enter the state (unless they 

have been overseas in the past 14 

days). 

Furthermore, they do not need to 

get a COVID-19 test, nor do they 

need to quarantine. 

If you have completed hotel 

quarantine interstate and wish to 

enter Victoria, you also don’t need 

a permit. 

NSW 

The NSW border is open to people 

from all states and territories, and 

there is no need to complete an 

entry declaration, do a COVID test 

or self-isolate. 

However, there are rules and 

restrictions in place if you have 

been to an affected area or an area 

of concern in the previous 14 days, 

whereby you must complete a NSW 

entry declaration within the 24 

hours before you enter NSW. 

If you have been to an area of 

concern, upon entry you must 

travel immediately to your place 

of residence and stay there until it 

has been 14 days since you visited 

the area of concern or the area of 

concern is revoked. 

You are only able to leave home to: 

• get food or services; 

• travel for work, education, 

childcare or shared parenting 

arrangements; 

• for medical care, get 

vaccinated, health supplies or 

to fulfil caring responsibilities; 

• move home; 

• exercise outdoors alone, with 

your household, or with one 

other person; 

• feed an animal or for animal 

welfare; 

• in an emergency. 

If you have visited an area of high 

concern, check the COVID-19 

concerns notice to determine if 

you are considered casual or close 

contact. 

Residents who are casual contacts 

must get tested as soon as they 

return to NSW and isolate until they 

receive a negative result. 

If you’re a non-resident who is a 

casual contact, you may enter NSW 

if you have been tested and your 

test returns a negative result. 

Residents who are close contacts 

are permitted to enter NSW. You 

must travel immediately to your 

place of residence and self-isolate 

until 14 days since you last visited 

the place of high concern. If you are 

fully vaccinated, you only need to 

self-isolate for seven days. 

Non-NSW residents who are close 

contacts are allowed to enter the 

state if they are fully vaccinated. 

You must self-isolate for seven days 

since you were last at the place of 

high concern. 

If you are not fully vaccinated and 

are a close contact, you are not 

permitted to enter NSW. Instead, 

you must follow the rules of the 

state or territory that you are 

currently in. 



25

SA 

South Australia has opened its 

borders to vaccinated travellers, 

with COVID-19 vaccination 

requirements applying to all 

travellers over 12 years and two 

months of age, including returning 

SA residents. 

If you’re arriving in South Australia 

from interstate, including residents, 

you must complete an EntryCheck 

SA application and can apply for it 

up to 14 days before your planned 

arrival. It’s recommended you apply 

at least 72 hours before. 

If you are an unvaccinated traveller 

and do not have an approved 

medical exemption, you are not 

permitted to enter South Australia. 

This includes returning residents. 

Exemptions will be considered for 

select reasons (such as funerals and 

end-of-life visits), with applications 

for an exemption made as an 

extension of your EntryCheck SA 

application. 

If your exemption is approved, you 

will be advised of your quarantine 

and testing requirements. 

NT 

Only fully vaccinated people, 

residents and people unable to be 

vaccinated (such as children under 

12 years) can enter the Northern 

Territory. 

Everyone travelling to the 

Northern Territory is required to 

complete an online Border Entry 

Form five days or less before 

entering. 

Eligible fully vaccinated domestic 

arrivals coming to the Northern 

Territory from a COVID-19 red zone 

may be permitted to undertake 

seven days home quarantine. 

Unvaccinated Territory residents 

travelling from a green zone 

will still be able to enter the 

Northern Territory but will be 

required to travel to a suitable 

place of quarantine, get tested for 

COVID-19 and self-isolate until a 

negative test is returned. 

Unvaccinated Territory residents 

coming from a red zone will be 

required to undertake 14 days 

mandatory supervised quarantine. 

If you are unvaccinated and are 

not a returning resident, you need 

to apply for an exemption to enter 

the Northern Territory. If you meet 

those entry requirements, you will 

be required to undertake 14 days 

mandatory supervised quarantine. 

ACT 

All residents and non-residents 

who have not visited a high-risk 

geographical area in the previous 

14 days are permitted to enter the 

ACT for any reason, and no forms 

are required to be completed. 

If you are a vaccinated resident or 

non-resident but have been to a 

high-risk area in the past 14 days, 

you must complete an exemption 

form within 72 hours prior to 

arriving in the territory. Then you 

must monitor for symptoms. 

If you are an unvaccinated 

resident who has been to a highrisk 

area in the past 14 days, you 

must complete an exemption 

form within 72 hours prior to 

arriving in the territory. You must 

stay at home for 14 days and are 

only allowed to leave home to: 

• undertake essential work or 

study; 

• attend usual childcare 

arrangements; 

• shop for essentials such 

as groceries, medicine and 

necessary supplies; 

• attend to medical or 

health care needs 

including compassionate 

requirements, and looking 

after the vulnerable; 

• receive a COVID-19 

vaccination; 

• exercise outdoors, limited to 

one hour per day; 

• for essential animal welfare 

purposes (eg to feed 

pets or livestock that live 

elsewhere); 

• in an emergency. 

If you are an unvaccinated 

non-resident who has been to a 

high-risk area in the past 14 days, 

you may not enter the ACT unless 

you obtain an exemption before 

arriving. 


QLD 

Everyone entering the state 

must apply for and receive a 

Queensland entry pass prior 

to arrival. There are no travel 

restrictions if you are travelling 

from a safe or green zone. 

If you are fully vaccinated, you 

can travel freely from the nonrestricted 

NSW border zone. If 

you are not fully vaccinated, you 

can only travel for permitted and 

essential purposes. 

If you are fully vaccinated you can 

travel from the restricted NSW 

border zone to Queensland for 

permitted, essential or essential 

worker purposes. 

If you are not fully vaccinated, 

your travel to Queensland from 

the restricted border zone will be 

limited to essential purposes only. 

If you have been in a declared 

hotspot in the previous 14 days, 

you will be able to enter the state 

as a “hotspot traveller” if you 

are fully vaccinated and have 

a negative result of a COVID-19 

test taken in the 72 hours prior 

to arrival. You must also get a 

COVID-19 test on day five after 

you arrive in Queensland. 

If you enter as a hotspot traveller, 

you will not need to quarantine 

though state health authorities 

require you to monitor the list 

of interstate exposure venues 

for the first 14 days after arrival 

and get tested if you develop any 

COVID-19 symptoms. 

If you have been to an interstate 

exposure venue in the 14 days 

before arriving, you can enter 

Queensland if you are fully 

vaccinated and have a negative 

result of a COVID-19 test taken 72 

hours prior to arrival. 

WA 

Western Australia will open to 

fully vaccinated domestic and 

international travellers on 5 

February. After that date, you will 

no longer need to quarantine. 

At present, only visitors from 

Tasmania can enter Western 

Australia without quarantining. 

Travellers from other Australian 

states and jurisdictions must selfquarantine 

for 14 days. 



27


QLD News 

Taxi Fares 

RANK & HAIL TRIPS 

Taxi drivers picking up passengers from a taxi rank 

or from a street hail, must not charge more than 

the maximum fare for a taxi journey, whether 

the journey is charged through the meter or the 

passenger wishes to negotiate a fare. And taxi 

drivers must not refuse to provide a taxi service to 

any person because a passenger wishes you to use 

the taxi meter to calculate the fare. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads 

(TMR) has received increased in complaints 

from taxi customers regarding overcharging 

and drivers refusing to provide a service. TMR 

is investigating these for potential penalties for 

breaches of transport legislation. 

start of the journey after the person, and their 

wheelchair have been secured in the taxi, 

• For a service to any other person – after the 

hirer enters the taxi, 

If the driver reasonably believes they will not be 

able to obtain the fare at the destination, they may 

ask for the estimated fare (must be a reasonable 

estimate) or fixed fare amount as a deposit. 

Overcharging attracts a maximum penalty of 

$5,514, and refusing a taxi service attracts a 

maximum penalty of $2,757 – don’t risk it! 

You may only negotiate a fixed fare for rank or 

hail trips if: 

• your passenger agrees, 

• the fare is negotiated before the trip starts, 

and 

• the fare does not exceed the maximum fare if 

you were using the meter. 

If the fare for the journey has not been agreed 

before the rank or hailed journey starts, a taxi 

driver must not charge a booking fee and must 

activate the taximeter: 

• For a service provided to a Taxi Subsidy 

Scheme member using a wheelchair – at the 


QUEENSLAND news 

MOBILE PHONE & SEATBELT 

CAMERAS 

Mobile phone and seatbelt 

cameras are installed throughout 

Queensland. 

Their locations are based on where 

road crash injuries or fatalities 

have occurred where using a 

mobile phone or not wearing a 

seatbelt were contributing factors. 

Two types of mobile phone and 

seatbelt cameras are used in 

Queensland: 

• Fixed cameras fitted to 

existing infrastructure and 

operating 24 hours, 7 days a 

week, 

• Portable cameras used at 

random locations in both 

urban and regional areas, for 

shorter periods of time. 

How the cameras work 

The cameras take multiple images 

of every vehicle passing the 

camera, including the registration 

number plate and images of the 

front seats of the vehicle. 

Using artificial 

intelligence software 

The cameras use Artificial 

Intelligence (AI) software to filter 

images and detect possible mobile 

phone use by the driver or failure 

to wear a seatbelt by the driver 

and front seat passenger. 

If no possible offence is detected, 

AI automatically excludes the 

images from any further analysis, 

and the images are deleted. 

If AI suspects a possible offence, 

the image is passed on to the 

Department of Transport and Main 

Roads to determine if an offence 

has been committed. 

Mobile phone use and 

driver distraction 

Research shows that using a mobile 

phone while driving quadruples 

the risk of crashing. Using a mobile 

phone while driving is just as 

dangerous as drinking driving. 

Vehicle occupants not wearing 

seatbelts have a much lower 

chance of surviving a crash than 

those who wear their seatbelt. 

Wearing a properly adjusted 

seatbelt improves the chance of 

surviving a crash by 200%. 



29

DRIVER FATIGUE 

The second biggest killer on Australian roads 

Being awake for 17 hours can 

have a similar effect on your 

driving performance as a blood 

alcohol content of 0.05. 

Fatigue is not just extreme 

exhaustion, but includes 

everyday mental or physical 

tiredness that affect a person’s 

ability to function. 

Fatigue reduces attentiveness 

and alertness to dangers, slows 

reaction times and can lead to 

microsleeps. 

Tiredness can occur on any drive 

- no matter how long or short, or 

the time of day. 

Driving at night is when you are 

most at risk of tiredness, as well 

as after lunch and early in the 

morning. 

Avoid driving tired 

It’s important to think about 

how tired you are before and 

while you are driving. There are a 

number of key strategies you can 

use to lower the risks of driving 

tired. 

Get a good night’s 

sleep 

Where possible, avoid driving 

between midnight and 6:00am, 

when your body naturally wants 

to sleep. 

Plan regular 

breaks 

Know the early warning signs 

of fatigue - yawning, sore 

eyes, difficulty concentrating, 

restlessness, oversteering. 

While driving take 

regular breaks 

If you start to feel tired, or 

experience any early warning 

signs, pull over somewhere safe 

and take a nap - 15-20 minutes 

works best. 


MICROSLEEP 

The shortest but the most deadliest sleep. 

It might be your last sleep if you are driving. 

What is a Microsleep? 

A microsleep is a brief and unintended 

episode of sleep characterised by head 

snapping, nodding or closing your eyes. It 

can be deadly behind the wheel. During a 

four-second microsleep, a vehicle travelling 

at 60km/h will travel 67 metres while 

completely out of the driver’s control. 

Signs of Microsleep 

Microsleeps occur when an individual loses 

and regains awareness after a brief lapse 

in consciousness, often without warning, 

or when there are sudden shifts between 

states of wakefulness and sleep. In 

behavioural terms, microsleeps manifest as 

droopy eyes, slow eyelid closure and head 

nodding. 

THE ONLY ANSWER TO FATIGUE IS SLEEP! 

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Cafe 

WE’re open 

WE NEVER CLOSE 

547 Spencer Street 

West Melbourne 

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31

DinkumRide is the newest 

News 

ride share service for WA. 

ROAD 

CLOSURE 

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN PERTH 

Special Christmas 

Day co-payment 

for WAV taxi 

drivers 

A special Department 

of Transport (DoT) copayment 

of $20.00 is 

available to Wheelchair 

Accessible Vehicle (WAV) 

drivers for all TUSS 

wheelchair journeys 

completed on Christmas 

Day (Saturday 25 December 

2021) between 8.00am and 

6.00pm. 

This payment is in addition 

to any regular co-payments 

drivers may be entitled to. 

WAV drivers and ondemand 

booking services 

are reminded that to claim 

this payment they must 

submit Christmas Day TUSS 

vouchers on time, and 

separately from regular 

TUSS vouchers. 

The City of Perth has announced 

temporary road closures in 

Northbridge to facilitate New 

Year’s Eve celebrations. 

William, James, Lake and Roe 

streets will be closed between 

4.00pm, Friday 31 December 2021 

and 5.00am, Saturday 1 January 

2022, as shown on the map below. 

Active towing will begin from 

3.00pm, Friday 31 December 2021, 

with associated costs to be paid 

by the vehicle owner prior to the 

release of the impounded vehicle. 

A dedicated on-demand transport 

rank will be located on Melbourne 

Street. The Melbourne Street 

taxi rank will be a one-way 

loop with the southbound lane 

closed as part of the Roe Street 

Development road closures and 

construction works. 


‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house 

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 

No stockings were hung by the chimney or stair, 

Would anyone notice? Did anyone care? 

Her phone was switched off and stashed away 

There was nothing planned for his Christmas Day 

Nothing to celebrate, no festive affair 

Just this empty room and that empty chair. 

There used to be friends and places to see 

But today there is nowhere she needs to be 

Just this dinner for one, a small treat after tea 

His only connection will be the TV. 

Is there someone you know who might be alone? 

Who could do with a friend, so they’re not on their own? 

You can make a difference, here’s what you can do 

For someone who’s waiting for contact from you 

Invite them to lunch, visit or call 

It’s not much to ask of you, not much at all 

Chat on a screen or jump in the car. 

Find out how they’re going, how they really are. 

Give a conversation as your gift today 

A hello, a how’s it, an “Are you OK?” 

Some chit-chat, a natter, a check in or two 

To say “I’m here and I care about you.” 

Visit ruok.org.au 



33

STAYING COOL IN 

SUMMER 

HEAT 

by Antonella Kearns 

It’s officially hot outside, and the 

inside of your car is even hotter. 

Yikes! 

We know what you’re thinking, “I’ll just put the air conditioner on”, as 

simple as that sounds, it’s not recommended during these times (thanks 

COVID-19) as the recirculated air in the vehicle and closed windows does 

not allow for external airflow and therefore, not COVIDSafe. 

But do not fear - we’re bringing you the hottest tips and tricks (no pun 

intended) to keep you cool this Summer while you’re on the road. 

Keeping hydrated is at the top of the list! 

Dehydration is a serious concern for summer drivers, especially 

on those scorcher days, as it can impact mental clarity, reaction 

time, focus, concentration, thinking and even your mood. Keeping 

hydrated will help you stay alert behind the wheel, so always keep 

some water in the car with you. 


Use a blanket or a towel 

This one sounds odd, but hear us out. Using a blanket or a towel will 

help protect your body when getting in the car, particularly if you 

have leather seating. Leather seats can get extremely hot during 

Summer when parked out in the sun, so if you have leather seats in 

your vehicle, try laying a blanket or towel on the seats to keep them 

cool. Another tip, remember to use light coloured blankets as they 

don't attract and absorb more sun. 

Use ice packs to keep cool 

The key to staying cool is placing an ice pack on your wrists and the 

back of your neck. These areas of your body are pulse points and 

are closely connected to the part of your brain that controls body 

temperature. If you don't have an ice pack handy, a cold cloth will 

work just as fine. 

Take a break 

It's essential to take regular breaks, especially on those scorcher 

days. A break doesn't have to be time-consuming; it could mean a 

quick run in to get a bite to eat or stretching your legs after being 

seated at the wheel for so long. Listen to your body; it knows what 

to do! 

Apply sunscreen 

It goes without saying, using sunscreen as part of your everyday 

skin routine in Australia, no matter your age or gender, is SunSmart 

101. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally. 

We can hear you thinking, ‘But I'm in a car’, well, even more reason 

to use sunscreen. Today, most vehicles have tinted windows, which 

reduces your exposure to the sun's UV radiation, reducing the risk 

of sunburn, so if you like rolling with the windows down, ensure you 

slip, slop, slap! 

Wind the window down 

Don't you hate when you wind down your window only to get 

that constant thumping noise on the freeway? Well, we've got the 

solution to not only fix this annoying issue (you're welcome!), but 

it'll also help keep you cool - turn the fan on in the car and then open 

a rear window enough to draw the draft through your car. Instant 

cool feeling. 



35


SA News 

Driver 

VACCINATIONS 

Keep evidence of your vaccination status and any medical certificate with you 

when driving. SAPOL may ask to see this information to ensure you are complying 

with the requirements. Evidence of your vaccination status must be provided to 

any booking service provider from whom you accept trip bookings, as and when 

requested. 

The booking services should have in place policies, systems, procedures etc., that 

support the Direction requirements so far as reasonably practical and within the 

limits of the law, which may include sighting proof of vaccination. 

You do not need to be vaccinated if you have a medical certificate or letter from a 

medical practitioner certifying that you have a medical exemption from receiving 

the vaccine or have an appointment to be assessed by a medical specialist to 

determine whether you have a medical exemption. 

Unvaccinated drivers 

are now unable to 

provide point to 

point services to and 

from the airports 

listed, including 

Adelaide Airport. 

You will also not be 

able to do any point 

to point driving work 

from 3 January 2022. 

If you are 

unvaccinated and 

normally come into 

contact with point to 

point drivers as part 

of your work, you 

will not be able to do 

work that involves 

coming into close 

contact with drivers 

and passengers after 

3 January 2022. 

Penalties apply if 

you do not comply 

with the vaccination 

requirements for 

point-to-point 

workers. 


SOUTH AUSTRALIA news 

PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLES’ RWC 

IS REDBOOK THE RIGHT 

ENTITY TO DO SO? 

The Department of Planning, 

Transport and Infrastructure 

(DPTI) has decided to allow 

RedBook to commence service 

in South Australia in the coming 

months by joining existing 

providers of vehicle inspections 

- Rightway Automotive and the 

RAA. 

All passenger transport vehicles 

must pass a periodic inspection 

to be eligible for registration or 

registration renewal. For taxis, a 

roadworthy inspection is required 

every six months. For chauffeured 

vehicles and rideshares, a 

roadworthy inspection is required 

yearly. 

Currently, only Rightway 

Automotive and the RAA have 

been approved to undertake these 

regular roadworthy inspections. 

The DPTI hopes that by 

endorsing a third provider for 

the roadworthy inspections, it 

will make it even easier for all 

operators to meet their inspection 

responsibilities. 

Passengers take more than eight 

million trips annually in Adelaide 

using personalised passenger 

transport services. 

The DPTI states that it assesses 

the accreditation of all 

passenger transport drivers 

and vehicle services to ensure 

safety standards, efficiency and 

competency are met. 

A few years back the Victorian 

regulator authorised RedBook to 

undertake vehicle inspections of 

the taxis, hire cars and ride-share 

vehicles. But, unfortunately, they 

allowed RedBook to get away with 

just a “vehicle inspection”- not a 

roadworthy inspection. 

It is hoped that the South 

Australian regulator has 

scrutinised RedBook sufficiently 

and are ensuring that RedBook 

doesn’t cut corners, but genuinely 

undertake roadworthy inspections 

of these essential public transport 

vehicles. 

The safety of drivers and 

passengers must be a priority! 



37

SOUTH AUSTRALIA news 

ACCESS TAXI DRIVERS TO GET 

NEW LIFTING FEE 

The South Australian Government 

will now pay a lifting fee of $25 

plus GST to the driver for all 50, 

75 and 100% South Australian 

Transport Subsidy Scheme 

(SATSS) trips booked through 

the Access Centralised Booking 

Service. 

This replaces the on-time bonus 

previously payable to the driver 

and the $10 lifting fee that applied 

to 75 and 100% SATSS trips. 

What are the changes? 

Drivers will receive a $25 lifting 

fee for any passenger who uses a 

SATSS voucher or card to receive 

a 50%, 75% or 100% fare subsidy 

where the trip is booked through 

the Access Centralised Booking 

Service (CBS). 

The lifting fee tariffs will be 

displayed on the meter as: 

• Tariff 5 (weekdays 6am to 

7pm); and 

• Tariff 6 (other times). 

This replaces the existing lifting 

fee and driver on-time bonus 

payments for operators to 

streamline the fees paid by the 

State Government for provision of 

this essential service. 

What are the benefits? 

The increased lifting fee payable 

on a broader category of trips 

seeks to improve service delivery 

through reduced wait times and 

improved services for Access Taxi 

customers. 

How does it work for 

drivers? 

50% member trips where a 

voucher is being used will now be 

treated in the same way as 75% 

trips. The effect of this will be to 

ensure the meter is paused and 

Tariff 5 or 6 applied. 

What's next? 

From early 2022, the $25 lifting fee 

will be expanded to all trips taken 

by SATSS members regardless of 

whether SATSS funds their trip. 


Uber and Lyft promised ubiquitous 

self-driving cars as soon as this 

year. They promised an end to 

private car 

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39

2022 

HYUNDAI 

IONIQ 5 

Game-changing exterior design with retro 

’80s cues and 3D-pixel LED lights. 

Spacious, futuristic but ultimately practical 

interior layout. 

Class-leading battery recharge times thanks 

to 800V electrical system. 


It only takes one glance at the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s 

show-stopping concept car design to see this is no 

ordinary SUV. Based on an all-new electric vehicle 

platform and offering up to 450km of range, the 

IONIQ 5 is one of the most expensive models ever 

offered by the Korean brand in Australia, priced 

from $71,900 plus on-road costs. 

As a fully electric car, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is 

brimming with technology. On top of the usual 

automatic braking and blind-spot warning systems, 

it’s the first Hyundai ever to feature evasive 

steering assist, junction crossing 

assist and perpendicular braking protection. It 

means the car will help prevent accidents at tricky 

intersections and can assist during emergency 

steering efforts. However, the 2022 Hyundai 

Ioniq 5 is yet to be tested locally by ANCAP or 

internationally by NCAP. 

The Ioniq 5 simply oozes appeal and is already a 

sell-out success, with the first batch of cars on sale 

in Australia snapped up in record time. 



41

THE HASSLE FREE 

ALTERNATIVE TO 

SELLING YOUR CAR! 

Donate Your Car is run by Kids Under Cover, a not for profit organisation that prevents youth 

homelessness in Australia. Kids Under Cover does that by providing studio accommodation in family 

backyards as well as education scholarships. 

100% of the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle will go towards helping young people 

stay connected to their families, education and community and stop them from experiencing 

homelessness. Plus, your vehicle donation is 100% tax-deductible! 

Ready to get started? 

Visit our website today! 

www.kuc.org.au/get-involved/donate-your-car/

TRADE 

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Ph: 1300 309 237 

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Hot drink available at Melrose Lounge - Taxi Holding Area 

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43

overseas news 

Uber’s application to 

expand in B.C. rejected 

CANADA - The Passenger 

Transportation Board (PTB) says it 

has reviewed evidence showing a 

decline in demand for passenger 

transportation services across 

British Columbia (B.C.) since the 

COVID-19 pandemic began. 

The board had granted Uber 

approval to operate in the Lower 

Mainland on January 23, 2020. 

Uber had applied in April 2020 

to expand further, but the PTB 

rejected that request last week. 

According to the PTB, the decision 

was made in part due to declining 

taxi-service usage during the 

pandemic. 

It says in its decision posted this 

month, that taxi recovery from the 

pandemic in the Lower Mainland 

has been further hampered by 

more ride-hailing, which has 

assumed a significant share of the 

market at the expense of taxis. 

application at this time would 

“unduly harm” existing ride-hailing 

companies in regions outside 

the Lower Mainland and those 

areas are unable to absorb more 

competition. 

While it found Uber to be “fit and 

proper” to deliver transportation 

services, the PTB says it’s not 

convinced there is a public need 

for Uber’s service in the rest of the 

province. 

X 

“Further, the PTB considers that 

the application, if granted at 

this time, would not promote 

sound economic conditions in the 

passenger transportation business 

in B.C,” it said. 

Prior to the pandemic and launch 

of Uber in the region, there were 

1,017,921 taxi trips in January 2020. 

The following month, taxi trips fell 

to 849,520, while ride-hailing trips 

were about 420,425. 

By May 2021, ride-hailing trips in 

the region surpassed one million, 

while taxi trips had risen only 

589,328. 

X 

The PTB says granting Uber’s 


VICTORIA news 



45


overseas news 

Massachusetts’ taxi business sees 

hope after the pandemic shifts 

power in transportation 

by BOB SEAY 

BOSTON, MA - When the first ridesharing 

companies arrived on the 

scene almost a decade ago, many 

thought they would spell the end of 

the traditional taxi industry. Then, 

the pandemic struck, and there was 

little hope that taxis would even 

survive. 

But it is now clear to drivers and 

owners that the pandemic actually 

provided an opportunity for taxis 

to adapt and potentially thrive. The 

industry benefited government 

grant money and less competition 

from ride-sharing services during 

the pandemic. Now, shifts in pricing 

and new technology that allows 

customers to call cabs, just as they 

do ride-shares, is feeding optimism. 

“We’re not back to our pre-Uber 

and Lyft days,” said Cheryl Horan, 

owner of the Green and Yellow 

Taxi Company in Somerville, “but 

we’re sustainable right now. And, 

actually, instead of losing money, 

we’re a little bit profitable, and 

we’re looking to expand on that 

and continue our success.” 

It was the work taxis were doing 

just before the pandemic that 

ultimately helped them find a 

path forward. As their regular 

business was siphoned off by 

ride-share companies, taxis began 

providing non-emergency medical 

transportation for local residents. 

That service suddenly surged when 

the pandemic hit and the state 

stepped in to help, committing to 

doling out $1 million in subsidies 

through the Metropolitan Area 

Planning Council. 

“[The state] released a lot of 

grant money for programs such 

as vaccinations and getting 

people to grocery shopping and 

medical appointments that were 

necessity transportation [because] 

they were afraid to go on public 

transportation,” Horan said. 

Another upside for cabbies was 

the fact that many Uber and 

Lyft drivers stayed home during 

the pandemic, leaving taxis as 

the only alternative. Horan said 

that transporting people during 

the pandemic is what kept her 

company afloat. 

“We supplied our drivers with 

Lysol wipes, the fogging of the 

vehicle, the plastic partition, masks, 

gloves,” she said. “We really felt 

that it was important to protect our 


drivers so that they could, in turn, 

protect the passengers that they 

were transporting.” 

The future appears to be 

brightening for Boston-area taxis, 

but even with hope in the air, 

there’s still some uncertainty. And 

taxi drivers like Jose Rodriques 

know that, these days, you can’t 

wait for the business to come to 

you. 

“I don’t like sitting around,” 

Rodriques said. “That’s why I don’t 

play the airport. I do work in the 

neighborhoods. People in the 

neighborhoods need taxis, and it’s 

so busy you can go to Dorchester, 

Roxbury — everywhere, and you 

will be busy all day long.” 

He’s also seeking out riders with 

apps like WAAVE that allow users 

to call cabs from their phone like, 

Uber or Lyft. 

Taxis are also benefitting from 

pricing shifts, said Paolo Santi, 

a principal research scientist at 

MIT’s Senseable Cities Lab and 

board member at Massachusetts 

nonprofit Way Forward Taxi 

Alliance. Better prices are what 

drew so many customers to ride 

shares in the first place. That’s 

changing. 

“The prices of Uber and Lyft 

services initially were very low 

because they were subsidized by 

investors,” he said. “They just were 

burning money.” 

But ride-sharing companies 

eventually had to raise rates to 

show a profit. Now, taxis are more 

competitive, something Rodriques 

has heard from his riders. 

“I just took a gentleman from 

South Boston to Newton Heights,” 

he said. “An Uber wanted $80, 

and he actually used WAAVE, and 

it was $42.15. From the airport to 

Somerville, Uber wanted $50, and it 

was $27 with the taxi.” 

Another indication that the 

industry is on the upswing is seen 

in the buying and selling of taxi 

medallions — the city-issued 

OVERSEAS news 

permits that allow taxis to operate. 

There has been a big transition in 

the ownership of taxis, according 

to Chenelle Brown, director of 

external affairs at Way Forward Taxi 

Alliance. Gone are the large taxi 

fleets of the past. Now, there are 

more individual owners. 

“The taxi industry in Boston 

essentially is largely made up of 

small, minority-owned businesses,” 

Brown said. “And I think that’s an 

important thing to note. A lot of 

medallions have been purchased 

over the last year or two.” 

Those medallions used to go for 

$300,000 to $400,000 each, but 

now they cost about $18,000. The 

fact that medallions are being 

repurchased is a sign that some 

taxi drivers are optimistic they can 

make a go of it, Brown said. 

There’s hope that the taxi 

business, which was once 

thought as nearly dead, has 

plenty of life left in it. 



47

Driver JOBS 

QUEENSLAND 

MACKAY WHITSUNDAYS TAXI 

Is it time for a seachange? Drive for a great team. All Shifts 

available. Immediate start. Full-time or Part-time Day and 

Night shifts. Training and Uniforms provided free. Escape 

to a wonderful part of Queensland and earn a great 

income. Contact the team on (07) 4944 4999. 

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 shifts available. Change 

over at Moorooka. Call 0413 214 852. 

BRISBANE CROWN CABS 

All shifts available – 7 days per week. Please phone 

Tuna Guclu on 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. 

\ 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 

TAKE THE DRIVER’S SEAT IN BROOME’S 

BEST TAXI FLEET 

Airfares included to Broome and accommodation 

provided. Drive for an established Taxi business and enjoy 

the fantastic lifestyle of Broome. APPLY NOW to drive with 

us in Broome. Email: Res@broometaxis.com.au 

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. 

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 (08) 8202 1200 to 

book your free information session. 

NELSON BAY 

NEW SOUTH WALES 

Nelson Bay Taxis are looking to hire additional 

drivers in preparation for 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 

& 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. 

EAST DONCASTER 

Driver wanted full time for Silver Top car. Please call 

Harvey 0404 847 699. 

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. Also, opportunities to 

lease for those who are interested in operating 

their own taxi. Call (03) 5331 4367 or email admin@ 

ballarattaxis.com.au. 

SHEPPARTON 

Lots of opportunities than Melbourne to operate an 

INDEPENDENT taxi in Shepparton. No expensive local 

network fees. Ralph 0473 189 190 


Hungry Driver Wanted. All shifts available - Day, Night 

part-time 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 

Shepparton 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. 

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. 



49

Are you wearing your 

mask correctly? 

Advertisers’ 

Directory 

AMS Ivanhoe Lawyers............16, 17 

Depot Maestro.........................37, 43 

DRVR Training................................ 22 

Embassy Cafe................................ 31 

For detailed information visit: 

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus 

Kids Under Cover........................... 42 

Martin Meters Oz Cabs Store...... 10 

Melbourne Airport Car Wash....... 43 

NSW Taxi Council.......................... 21 

13cabs............................................. 39 

R U OK.............................................. 33 

Rod Barton MP............................... 45 

Silver Top Taxis.................................3 

Simplex Insurance..................... 9, 43 

TIAIB....................................................2 

Toyota Australia............................. 52 

Transport Alliance Australia........ 10 

Transport Matters Party............... 11 

Victoria Taxi Club........................... 15 


Only $ 35 for 

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FOR SALE: Taxis of Hamilton 

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TOYOTA FOR BUSINESS 

GREAT FLEETS COME 

IN SMALL PACKAGES 

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toyota.com.au/fleet 

1 

Driver assist feature. Only operates under certain conditions. Check your Owner’s Manual for explanation of limitations. 

Please drive safely.

DRIVE NOW December 2021/January 2022

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