20.01.2013 Views

Download (7 MB) - Taxi Talk Magazine

Download (7 MB) - Taxi Talk Magazine

Download (7 MB) - Taxi Talk Magazine

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Voice<br />

of the taxi industry<br />

TAXI<br />

magazine<br />

Official journal of the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association<br />

Print Post Approved number PP328444/0004 Issue Number 537<br />

november 2012<br />

Embrace the Opportunity<br />

Fast . Simple . Secure<br />

Fast . Simple . Secure<br />

www.cabfare.com.au<br />

1300 721 966<br />

@cabfare


2012<br />

FORD FALCON<br />

XR6<br />

3cars<br />

to be<br />

won<br />

One car for each office:<br />

Giveaway!<br />

QLD<br />

Brisbane<br />

DRAWN:<br />

Dec 7 th<br />

NSW<br />

Sydney<br />

DRAWN:<br />

Dec 5 th<br />

* Simply renew your existing membership by 31st December or apply as a new customer<br />

before 30th November 2012 and you will automatically go into the draw to WIN!!<br />

Terms and conditions apply - Call 0418 335 981 for more information<br />

VIC<br />

Melbourne<br />

DRAWN:<br />

Dec 3 rd


For all<br />

renewing<br />

and new <strong>Taxi</strong>care<br />

customers*<br />

New customers call 03 9350 7099<br />

SDD02076


inside ...<br />

6<br />

8<br />

14<br />

16<br />

20<br />

24<br />

31<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong>, official journal of the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association Inc. (VTA) the trade association representing owners, operators and drivers of Victorian taxicabs, is<br />

published monthly by Trade Promotions Pty Ltd. © Trade Promotions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> magazine is wholly owned by Trade Promotions Pty<br />

Ltd. The “<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the taxi industry” heading and logos are trademarks of Stanley F. White.<br />

Views expressed in any article in <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> are those of the individual contributor and not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept any<br />

responsibility for any opinions, information, errors or omissions in this publication. To the extent permitted by law, the publisher will not be liable for any damages<br />

including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity)<br />

or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising from the contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damage.<br />

Advertisements must comply with the relevant provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Responsibility for compliance with the Act rests with the person,<br />

company or advertising agency submitting the advertisement.<br />

4 | November 2012<br />

Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association editorial<br />

Transition should be seamless<br />

VTA Membership<br />

A new membership category is available<br />

Back to the Future<br />

Allan Fels says reforms will take 3-5 years<br />

New Zealand Conference<br />

David Samuel reports on the conference<br />

From the <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate<br />

MPTP fraud is a very serious crime<br />

Victorian taxi statistics<br />

Licence assignments, transfers and issues for<br />

the month<br />

Classified advertisements<br />

Cabs, drivers, equipment, licences, etc. wanted<br />

and for sale<br />

Voice<br />

of the taxi industry<br />

TAXI<br />

magazine<br />

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE VICTORIAN TAXI ASSOCIATION<br />

magazine editor ....................... Toni F. Peters<br />

vta editor ..........................................Neil Sach<br />

founder ...................................Stanley F. White<br />

publisher ..................Trade Promotions Pty Ltd<br />

advertising enquiries<br />

Trade Promotions Pty. Ltd.<br />

42 Grenfell Rd, Mt Waverley VIC 3149<br />

PO Box 2345, Mt Waverley VIC 3149<br />

phone: ............................................ 03 9807 0237<br />

fax: ................................................. 03 9807 3401<br />

email: .................................. info@taxitalk.com.au<br />

Website: ............................... www.taxitalk.com.au<br />

advertising deadline<br />

All copy must be in by the 15th of the month prior<br />

to publication date.<br />

subscription details<br />

1 year = $33<br />

Pay via PAYPAL to info@taxitalk.com.aud<br />

fo<br />

Phone: 03 9676 2635 ............... Fax: 03 9676 2643<br />

president ...................................Kevin Gange<br />

vice president ................Stephen Armstrong<br />

chief executive .............................Neil Sach<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


BLUE STAR TAXI’S<br />

Don’t get a<br />

BackyarD Service<br />

SPRING SPECIAL<br />

BrakeS<br />

$50<br />

BA & FG front & rear<br />

we wIll beat any<br />

wrItten quote by 10%<br />

Let our<br />

professional<br />

staff service<br />

your car<br />

DIFFERENTIAL BUSHES $350 save $135<br />

BA - BF SEDAN REAR SHockERS fitted right and left $180 save $150<br />

BA - BF RADIAToR fitted $160 save $80<br />

BA - BF FRoNT H/D DIScS fitted $60 each save $25<br />

TAXI ENGINE SERVIcE $40<br />

BA - BF FoRD 4 SpEED TRANSmISSIoN SERVIcE $60<br />

FG FRoNT ARmS available at a good price<br />

9354 6565<br />

70 ROSS STREET, COBURG<br />

Mob: 0403 421 865 Fax: 9354 6576<br />

Special Price<br />

for rwC repairs<br />

GAFFNEY ST<br />

STREET<br />

ROSS<br />

BELL ST<br />

TAXI<br />

ROAD<br />

SYDNEY<br />

BST_ 0812


Neil Sach<br />

VTA CEO<br />

6 | November 2012<br />

Transition<br />

should be seamless<br />

as anticipated, the taxi industry inquiry’s final report<br />

was presented to the minister for public transport<br />

on friday 28 september.<br />

the next step is for the minister to table the report<br />

in parliament. the latest this can happen is 12<br />

december. the minister will present a government<br />

response to the report. the response could be detailed<br />

or not.<br />

the vta has finalized (or near to it) its economic<br />

analysis of the various models proposed in the inquiry’s<br />

draft report and that proposed by the vta.<br />

this work has been undertaken by price Waterhouse<br />

coopers (pwc) and professor des nicholls<br />

(anu). this analysis/modelling will be an important<br />

piece of work going forward.<br />

as i said last month, it is important that the taxi<br />

services commission (tsc) is put in place as soon<br />

as possible so that intended policy and operational<br />

transitions are undertaken as seamlessly as possible.<br />

it is critical that the taxi industry be consulted<br />

through this transition phase.<br />

last month, david samuel again visited new zealand<br />

to catch up with taxi operators and networks to<br />

fill in some of the gaps around licensing and industry<br />

performance.<br />

meanwhile, the vta continues to support the<br />

government’s plan to extend the eastern freeway<br />

to the tullamarine freeway and beyond. this link is<br />

vital to improve productivity and provide an alternative<br />

major route when the m1 is restricted or closed.<br />

in regard to the new style taxi specification unveiled<br />

in the october edition of <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong>, the vta<br />

has been pleasantly surprised by the interest of<br />

vehicle manufacturers and importers. designers<br />

around the world are now busily examining whether<br />

they can present a vehicle type that meets the<br />

specifications.<br />

as we head for the end of 2012, taxi drivers are reminded<br />

of the increase in work that will come during<br />

the spring racing carnival, the 2012/13 cruise ship<br />

season, end of year celebrations, and in January<br />

the australian tennis open. as the weather warms<br />

up, so does the demand for taxis. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


TAXI SCHOOL<br />

CALendAr<br />

from<br />

$ 23,990<br />

BUNDOORA<br />

Monitor and Manage<br />

Small Business Operations<br />

all courses are held at the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association offices<br />

Suite 2, 85 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne<br />

Course 214<br />

Day 1 Wednesday 7 Nov<br />

Day 2 Thursday 8 Nov<br />

Day 3 Friiday 9 Nov<br />

Don’t buy a used<br />

FALCON<br />

until you phone<br />

0418 362 521<br />

TAXI<br />

lmct 8168 GLVM_1112<br />

More information...<br />

P: 9676 2641<br />

E: clients@victaxi.com.au<br />

W: www.victaxi.com.au<br />

Course fee is $1100 - Dates are subject to change.<br />

8/2010<br />

FALCON FG<br />

sedAN<br />

$23,990<br />

• FACTORY FITTED<br />

DEDICATED LPG<br />

• VIC TAXI YELLOW<br />

• TAXI RWC SUPPLIED<br />

ARRIVING<br />

SOON<br />

2012<br />

FALCON FG XT<br />

MK2 SEDAN<br />

SN459<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 7<br />

GLV 1010<br />

SN458


vta new<br />

membership class<br />

The Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association (VTA) is pleased to offer<br />

membership opportunities for accredited taxi operators<br />

who are operating a taxi or taxis and for accredited current<br />

taxi licence holders who have operated a taxi on the<br />

licence(s).<br />

Those joining the VTA under this class of membership<br />

will be referred to as <strong>Taxi</strong>-cab Operator Members. Such<br />

members will form what is to be called the <strong>Taxi</strong>-cab Operators<br />

Collective within the VTA Constitution.<br />

Accredited taxi operators who are operating a taxi and<br />

accredited current taxi licence<br />

holders who have operated<br />

a taxi will receive the<br />

same benefits as existing<br />

depot members<br />

through the work of the<br />

VTA. This work includes,<br />

but is not limited to:<br />

• Working with Government<br />

to achieve<br />

agreed goals and<br />

outcomes for the taxi<br />

industry.<br />

• Working with the taxi industry<br />

to ensure that participants<br />

clearly understand their responsibilities<br />

under the law, and more specifically under<br />

the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry Accreditation regime.<br />

• Working with Local Government and Local Councils<br />

to develop and locate taxi rank infrastructure.<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> operator noT affiliaTed with a<br />

VTa depot member:<br />

Metro $261.20 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

O/S $258.60 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

Geelong $233.50 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

Other Urban $232.20 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

Country $225.2 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

8 | November 2012<br />

• Working with Local Government and Local Councils<br />

to develop and plan for major events.<br />

• Developing and communicating new business opportunities<br />

for taxi industry participants right across<br />

the State.<br />

• Developing resources to assist taxi-cab drivers,<br />

operators and Network Service Providers with their<br />

day to day activities.<br />

• Working at a national level to ensure the Victorian<br />

taxi industry is well versed in Commonwealth legislation,<br />

trends and resource<br />

pricing.<br />

Members of the <strong>Taxi</strong>cab<br />

Collective will be<br />

able to form a committee<br />

comprising of<br />

a chairman, secretary<br />

and others, and will be<br />

required to operate under<br />

approved rules.<br />

The <strong>Taxi</strong>-cab Collective<br />

will be able to nominate a<br />

person or persons for appointment<br />

to the VTA Council.<br />

Once appointed to the VTA Council,<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong>-cab Collective councillors will have<br />

the opportunity to stand for election and appointment to<br />

the VTA Executive Council.<br />

NEIL SACH<br />

VTA Secretary D<br />

Membership subscription fees<br />

(2012/13) for this new membership class<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> operators affiliaTed with a VTa depot member: $60 (+GST) per taxi pa<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> licence holder who previously<br />

operated a taxi on the licence(s):<br />

Metro $261.20 (+GST) per licence pa<br />

O/S $258.60 (+GST) per licence pa<br />

Geelong $233.50 (+GST) per licence pa<br />

Other Urban $232.20 (+GST) per licence pa<br />

Country $225.2 (+GST) per licence pa<br />

• Membership subscriptions are billed on a quarterly basis.<br />

• Membership subscriptions are decided by the Executive Council at the start of each financial year.<br />

• All VTA members are subject to the provisions of the VTA Constitution, and all regulations and by-laws made under<br />

the Constitution, and codes of ethics or practices prescribed by the Executive Council.<br />

Application forms are available from 1 November at the VTA office, Suite 2, 85 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne.<br />

Completed application forms to be returned to: The Secretary<br />

Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association Inc.<br />

PO Box 5111, GARDEN CITY VIC 3207<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


Making the announcement, Minister for Roads Terry Mulder rides a<br />

Pedalec bicycle along the Birrarung Marr in Melbourne. The Victorian<br />

laws have been changed to enable European style, power-assisted<br />

‘Pedalecs’ to be classified as bicycles, rather than motor-bikes. The<br />

change in law means that a Pedalec can be used without the need for<br />

registration or licensing.<br />

The European Pedalec operates with a maximum of 250 watts, with<br />

a safeguard allowing the power assistance to kick in only when the bicycle<br />

is travelling at less than 25km/h and the rider is pedalling. This<br />

means the Pedalecs are safe to be used in a cycling environment, while<br />

at the same time allowing riders to travel further and ride with less effort.<br />

We’re hoping this will encourage more Victorians to take up bike riding<br />

as a healthy and sustainable alternative to the car, Minister for Roads<br />

Terry Mulder said. They will also provide some options for older bike<br />

riders, or those who may not be as fit as they once were but still want to<br />

use pedal power.”<br />

For more information about Pedalecs please see www.vicroads.<br />

vic.gov.au/Pedalecs and for more information on bike rider road rules<br />

please see www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/bicycles. D<br />

Victorians are the first bike<br />

riders in Australia to get access<br />

to a new type of pedal power.<br />

In Memorial<br />

On this three month anniversary we are<br />

still deeply saddened by the death of<br />

our friend and colleague Mr. Stephen<br />

(Steve) Seymour.<br />

Our thoughts go out to Stephen’s family<br />

and friends, so devastated by the passing<br />

of this wonderful person and taxi<br />

driver.<br />

The taxi industry and our small company<br />

miss him greatly.<br />

His tragic death still weighs heavily on us but we live in hope for his ever lasting peace.<br />

We think of him and the family’s loss with the deepest sympathy.<br />

May he rest in peace.<br />

Eugene Hyatt, Jack Glagovski, Kent Thomas, Chris Lovelock, Yury Rogachevsky, Ravi Ganta,<br />

Leigh Plews, George Raffoul, Yakov Vaynrib, Ian Britton, Vinod Patiyal, Efim Listmangof,<br />

Hrudaya, Kalluri, George Kossowski, Igor Grigorian<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 9


skyfall aT imax<br />

After half a century of 007, the latest James Bond film, Skyfall, will be the first to<br />

be converted to IMAX 15/70 film format.<br />

VTA annual luncheon<br />

This year the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Association’s Annual<br />

Luncheon will be held at the Crown Casino.<br />

Venue: Crown Casino, River Room, Level 1<br />

Crown Towers, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank<br />

date: Tuesday 4 December 2012<br />

time: Noon for 12:30pm<br />

dress: Smart<br />

10| November 2012<br />

The IMAX release of Skyfall will be<br />

digitally re-mastered into the image and<br />

sound quality of The IMAX Experience®<br />

with proprietary IMAX DMR® technology.<br />

IMAX’s customised theatre geometry and<br />

powerful digital audio create a unique environment<br />

that will make audiences feel as<br />

if they are in the movie.<br />

Daniel Craig is back as Ian Fleming’s<br />

James Bond 007 in Skyfall the 23rd adventure<br />

in the longest-running film franchise<br />

of all time.<br />

In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested<br />

as her past comes back to haunt her. As<br />

MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track<br />

down and destroy the threat, no matter<br />

how personal the cost.<br />

Skyfall opens at IMAX Melbourne Museum,<br />

Carlton Gardens on 22 November,<br />

2012. D<br />

Sponsorship packages will only be made available<br />

to identified market leaders within the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry.<br />

If you would like any further information please<br />

contact Niamh Kellegher at the VTA office 9676<br />

2635.<br />

2012 has been a challenging year in the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry<br />

and the VTA plans to end this year with a bang, so<br />

join us for this event. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


12 | November 2012<br />

OPEN 24/7*<br />

*At most Pie Face Stores.<br />

www.pieface.com.au<br />

• Garry Ellis<br />

SPECIAL CAB RATE<br />

OFF<br />

All Cabbies get 15% off at Pie Face!<br />

Thats 15% off coffees, baked-daily<br />

pastries, sweets, delicious pies,<br />

sausage rolls and sandwiches.<br />

Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Must show taxi driver identification to redeem discount.<br />

After many years of working in the transport<br />

portfolio covering the taxi, hire car<br />

and driving instructor industries and,<br />

many more years ago, the bus and<br />

road freight sectors, Garry Ellis decided to contribute<br />

to the current downsizing of the Victorian<br />

public service and retired from the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong><br />

Directorate on 19 October 2012.<br />

Garry said that over the years he has had<br />

the pleasure of meeting and dealing with many<br />

good people in and around the various regulated<br />

industries and through all levels of government.<br />

Having been through a number of industry<br />

reforms and departmental restructures he will<br />

watch with great interest to see how the new<br />

regulatory model evolves in Victoria over the<br />

next couple of years.<br />

The VTA and <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> thank Garry for his many<br />

years of association and wish him and his family<br />

the very best for the future.D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


METROPOLITAN<br />

taxi club inc.<br />

We offer the best club conditions and<br />

protection cover package in the industry<br />

• Lower annual contributions<br />

• Fast repair turn-around<br />

• Fast claims recovery<br />

MTC1012<br />

Melbourne’s Premier<br />

TAXI<br />

COVER PROTECTION<br />

Thanks to all our members for choosing us!<br />

We appreciate your business and the opportunity<br />

to serve you. We are delighted and honoured that<br />

you’ve chosen to work with us and we trust that<br />

we will meet or exceed your expectations in the<br />

coming years.<br />

No joining fee.<br />

Best TSO rebate*<br />

third party and<br />

legal liability cover<br />

up to $30,000,000<br />

Modern workshop to<br />

cut your down-time<br />

• Genuine replacement parts<br />

• Free legal advice<br />

• Lower additional contribution<br />

360 BRUNSWICK ROAD, BRUNSWICK<br />

Phone: 9388 0722 Fax: 9388 0711<br />

Email: vi@metropolitantaxiclub.com.au<br />

daniel@metropolitantaxiclub.com.au *conditions apply


Need<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> finance made easy, simple & quick<br />

n Very best interest rates on the market<br />

n Terms to suit most circumstance<br />

n Quick approval with no hassle<br />

n New or Used cars<br />

n Private Sales<br />

n M80 and VHA/SV licence loans<br />

n Metro/ country licence loans<br />

n 30 years industry experience<br />

Specialists in Business Finance<br />

14 | November 2012<br />

finance?<br />

Rob Chard - Director<br />

t (03) 8873 5100 (general)<br />

t (03) 8873 5151(direct)<br />

m 0408 368 457<br />

Suite 9, 476 Canterbury Rd,<br />

Forest Hill Vic 3131<br />

e rob@scbf.com.au<br />

www.scbf.com.au<br />

Allan Fels says reforms<br />

into the taxi industry<br />

recommended in his report<br />

were expected to take three<br />

to five years to implement.<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> inquiry head Prof Allan Fels<br />

has given the Ballieu Government<br />

his final report into the industry.<br />

Prof Fels handed over the tome on<br />

September 28.<br />

He said the final report addressed<br />

serious and systemic problems<br />

in the industry and the sweeping<br />

reforms recommended were expected<br />

to take three to five years to<br />

implement.<br />

“The inquiry received significant,<br />

additional information since the<br />

draft report was released earlier this<br />

year and this is reflected in the final<br />

report,” Prof Fels said.<br />

“I thank the government for giving<br />

me this opportunity and look forward<br />

to the government response in<br />

due course”.<br />

Roads Minister Terry Mulder must<br />

table the report in parliament within<br />

14 sitting days.<br />

Not surprisingly, owners of taxis<br />

are about to step up lobbying in a<br />

last-ditch effort to get the report buried.<br />

Larissa Garvin, a spokeswoman<br />

for Mr Mulder, said the government<br />

had received the report and would<br />

consider it.<br />

Prof Fels unveiled his 550-page<br />

draft report, titled Customers First:<br />

Service, Safety, Choice, on May 31.<br />

He will continue as chair of the<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Services Commission until the<br />

government appoints a new Commissioner<br />

to oversee the next phase<br />

of the industry’s reform.<br />

Since 1981 there have been seven<br />

inquiries into the taxi industry, but<br />

all have come to nought.<br />

by: Amelia Harris, Herald Sun D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


Saké Restaurant & Bar<br />

opens at the Arts Centre Melbourne<br />

After attracting a loyal fan base and picking up<br />

coveted Chef’s Hats at its popular Sydney and Brisbane<br />

venues, Saké Restaurant & Bar is now serving<br />

up its unique version of contemporary Japanese cuisine<br />

at Arts Centre Melbourne’s fabulous Hamer Hall.<br />

Set along the stunning Yarra River, with spectacular<br />

water and CBD views from every table in the house,<br />

Saké Melbourne showcases an outstanding à la carte<br />

menu.<br />

Along with sensational food and outdoor seating,<br />

a standout feature of the venue is Saké Bar, which<br />

conveniently adjoins the Hamer Hall foyer and is the<br />

perfect spot for pre and post-theatre drinks and bites.<br />

Designed as a destination in itself, Saké Bar is open<br />

seven days till late and presents a mouth-watering<br />

range of sake-based cocktails and a tasty bar menu.<br />

Saké Melbourne is set over two levels and features<br />

a sushi bar, open-plan kitchen and a variety of seating<br />

options. It also boasts three private dining rooms and<br />

an alfresco dining area that runs the length of the restaurant,<br />

looks directly across the river at the beautiful<br />

CBD and seats 50.<br />

Saké Restaurant & Bar Melbourne is open seven<br />

days a week for lunch and dinner.<br />

Bookings can be made by calling 03 8687 0775 or<br />

emailing reservations@sakerestaurant.com.au<br />

The street address is River Promenade, Arts Centre<br />

Melbourne, 100 St.Kilda Road Melbourne. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 15


NZ<br />

TAXI<br />

coNfereNce<br />

16 | November 2012<br />

I was fortunate enough to attend this<br />

year’s NZTF conference held in Nelson<br />

on the west coast of the NZ South Island.<br />

I would like to thank Tim Reddish, and<br />

others like John Hart, for extending such<br />

a warm welcome, and also congratulate<br />

them on a great conference.<br />

The theme of the their conference this<br />

year focused on the health of taxi drivers<br />

and also corporate responsibility. It was<br />

great to hear from a variety of interesting<br />

speakers, including New Zealand’s Associate<br />

Minister for Transport.<br />

An interesting theme that appears to be<br />

developing rapidly in NZ is the notion of a<br />

“user pays regulatory system”. Under this<br />

system the industry pays for their regulator<br />

(it was somewhat unclear how). The idea<br />

is premised on the concept that the industry<br />

benefits from having a regulator and as<br />

a result it should fund it.<br />

While it is hard to argue that an effective<br />

regulator does indeed benefit the industry,<br />

it also benefits the consumers and the<br />

community as a whole. It therefore seems<br />

to be a somewhat lopsided and perhaps<br />

impractical stance to take. Further, if Government<br />

see the need to introduce a law<br />

or regulation they also need to enforce<br />

it. Having taxi companies responsible for<br />

service standards is one thing, enforcing<br />

the law is something completely different.<br />

Tim Reddish from the NZTF made the<br />

industry’s concern well known to the Minister.<br />

Tim is probably well worth listening to<br />

given that he was at the forefront of trying<br />

to clean up the industry in NZ over the last<br />

20 odd years.<br />

This has been achieved to a large extent<br />

by the introduction of an effective regulator<br />

and culture of responsibility for service<br />

within NZ taxi companies.<br />

It is interesting to note that the Victorian<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Industry Inquiry has made recommendations<br />

which essentially mirror the<br />

NZ Government’s approach of a regulator<br />

funded on the notion of user pays.<br />

The VTA strongly supports responsibility<br />

for maintaining certain service standards<br />

being returned to the industry via Network<br />

Service Providers (NSP), but this does not<br />

extend to enforcing the law. As explained<br />

above, the VTA also see the benefits of an<br />

effective regulator as extending well beyond<br />

the industry - to the community as<br />

a whole.<br />

Another hot topic in NZ is security<br />

cameras. The room acknowledged the<br />

important contribution of the cameras in<br />

improving driver safety. However, a number<br />

of concerns were raised with the performance<br />

of a number of the products on<br />

the market.<br />

NZ seem to have a very different problem<br />

to Victoria in that there are a large<br />

number of approved camera suppliers.<br />

There were many other topics discussed<br />

and I was pleased to be able to provide an<br />

update on the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry to the<br />

conference.<br />

I also spoke on some emerging issues<br />

in Australia, such as the importance of addressing<br />

emerging technology, like taxi<br />

Apps, to ensure customer safety is not<br />

jeopardised.<br />

For more information on the NZTF go to:<br />

http://www.asp.taxifed.co.nz/<br />

david samuel<br />

VTA - Executive Officer Policy and Communications D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


more rewards...no extra work!<br />

PRE-CHRISTMAS MADNESS!<br />

HURRY!<br />

LIMITED OFFER<br />

SIGN UP TODAY TO RECEIVE YOUR<br />

Contact Terasia 0488 164 495 terasia.fox@livetaxiepay.com.au<br />

www.livetaxiepay.com.au 1300 883 703 support@livetaxiepay.com.au<br />

*Offer valid until 31 December 2012. Offer open to new Live <strong>Taxi</strong>Epay terminal applications, offer does not apply to existing Live <strong>Taxi</strong>Epay members.<br />

Existing members cannot relinquish their Live <strong>Taxi</strong>Epay terminal(s) & sign up for this promotion. One payment per customer only. New customer to<br />

be paid $50 in cash at the end of 30 days from date of sign up provided minimum amount of $1,500 has been transacted through the Live <strong>Taxi</strong>Epay<br />

terminal in the 30 days from date of sign up. At participating outlets only. While terminal stocks last.


martin meters<br />

THE TAXI INDUSTRY SAFETY SPECIALIST<br />

t Martin Meters are moving on<br />

November 1st to 9 Springbank Street<br />

Tullamarine (off Melrose Drive) only<br />

800 metres from the airport taxi<br />

holding area.<br />

t Martin Meters are moving to larger<br />

premises after 10 years at 1/1 Trade<br />

Park Drive Tullamarine (2002 to 2012)<br />

and 55 years at our Brunswick Street<br />

and Moor Street, Fitzroy address<br />

(1947 to 2002).<br />

t We will utilise our larger premises<br />

to manufacture exciting new taxi<br />

industry products that will assist<br />

current and future taxi operations.<br />

18 | November 2012<br />

WE ARE<br />

MOVING<br />

We thank all of our customers for their patronage over the past 65 years<br />

and advise them to expect even better service in future. D<br />

• Top quality super tough 4.5mm 2UV Clea<br />

• Separate B Pillar panel denies access to<br />

• Side Airbag and Curtain Airbag Compatib<br />

• Driver comfort, vision, ergonomics, freed<br />

• Effective protection from front and rear s<br />

• Non-Intrusive design Maximizes Rear Pa<br />

• Invisible, uncluttered look compliments in<br />

for superior vision, strength and durability<br />

prevents driver entrapment by the drivers seat belt<br />

a neW<br />

location<br />

onlY 800m<br />

to holding<br />

area<br />

tested for compatibility with Australian Design Rules<br />

is assisted by our exclusive patented design features<br />

with superior protection from rear seated passengers<br />

just millimeters of passenger space is required<br />

provides safety, without signifi cantly affecting the interior sp<br />

Melway Map ref 5 F10<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


DRIVER<br />

PROTECTION<br />

SCREEN<br />

Australian Patents:<br />

676005, 2009100400<br />

Martin Bodyguard screens have been<br />

protecting drivers for over sixteen years.<br />

During this time our design has seen many<br />

improvements but the integral toughness<br />

and uncompromising use of the best<br />

available materials has remained.<br />

Our Multi Patented Design is still Australian<br />

made from Quality Australian Laserlite Polycarbonate<br />

and is simply the best value for<br />

money investment you can make for your<br />

drivers physical safety.<br />

Martin Bodyguard II - Protection for your driver<br />

"Peace of Mind" for your drivers family<br />

MARTIN BODYGUARD II FG FEATURES:<br />

• Patented design for <strong>Taxi</strong> Vehicles<br />

where any threat of physical harm to your driver exists<br />

• Attaches to seat with Telescopic height adjustment #<br />

facilitates usual drivers seat forward/ back, up/down and rake adjustment<br />

• Top quality super tough 4.5mm 2UV Clear Makrolon Polycarbonate<br />

for superior vision, strength and durability<br />

• Separate B Pillar panel denies access to Drivers Seat Belt #<br />

prevents driver entrapment by the drivers seat belt<br />

• Side Airbag and Curtain Airbag Compatible<br />

tested for compatibility with Australian Design Rules<br />

• Driver comfort, vision, ergonomics, freedom and safety<br />

is assisted by our exclusive patented design features<br />

• Effective protection from front and rear seated passengers<br />

with superior protection from rear seated passengers<br />

• Non-Intrusive design Maximizes Rear Passenger Legroom<br />

just millimeters of passenger space is required<br />

• Invisible, uncluttered look compliments interior space<br />

provides safety, without signifi cantly affecting the interior space of your vehicle<br />

Australian Designed<br />

& Manufactured<br />

# FORD FG MODEL DESCRIBED<br />

BGTT/08/12<br />

9 Springbank Street,<br />

Tullamarine,<br />

Victoria, 3043 Australia.<br />

Email: sales@martinmeters.com.au<br />

Tel: 61 3 9335 1551<br />

61 3 9335 1552<br />

Fax: 61 3 9335 1553<br />

A


VTD GM - Marnie Williams<br />

20 |November 2012<br />

MPTP<br />

FRAUD<br />

SERIOUS<br />

CRIME VTd<br />

The issue of Multi Purpose <strong>Taxi</strong> Program (MPTP) fraud once<br />

again raised its ugly head last month with the Herald Sun reporting<br />

a long-running fraud case against Scope clients in Melbourne’s<br />

south east.<br />

The Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate (VTD) takes MPTP fraud very seriously<br />

as it is a crime against our community’s most vulnerable.<br />

The MPTP provides access to taxi services to more than 150,000<br />

Victorians with severe and permanent disabilities. Many MPTP<br />

members cannot access other forms of public transport and would<br />

be stranded without the Program.<br />

Victoria’s taxi subsidy scheme is the most generous in the country,<br />

with members getting half their trip paid for up to $60 per trip<br />

and $2,180 per year.<br />

The VTD is very proud to administer this nation-leading program.<br />

But we recognise that every dollar defrauded from the MPTP reduces<br />

our ability to share its benefits with others who need it.<br />

That’s why the VTD has a division in its Industry Compliance and<br />

Intelligence Unit dedicated to investigating, identifying and prosecuting<br />

MPTP fraud.<br />

This year alone the VTD has recouped more than $30,000 in<br />

fraudulent fares and with a number of ongoing investigations underway,<br />

we are confident we will recoup even more.<br />

So the message to the industry is clear – it’s not worth the risk.<br />

If you are aware of fraud occurring or are involved in it yourself,<br />

you are risking significant fines and even jail-time, not to mention<br />

your livelihood as a taxi industry participant<br />

The only way to avoid being caught committing MPTP fraud, is to<br />

not commit it in the first place. D<br />

There’s no excuse for<br />

PIN & SMARTCARD ABUSE<br />

In recent months the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate<br />

(VTD) has seen an increase in inappropriate smartcard<br />

and personal identification number (PIN) usage<br />

among drivers.<br />

Drivers are reminded that you may only log into<br />

an in-cab electronic transaction terminal using a<br />

VTD-issued smartcard that bears your name, driver<br />

licence number and the card number incorporating<br />

your accreditation number. It is an offense to log on<br />

with someone else’s card or share your card with<br />

another driver.<br />

Except in the event of a failure or malfunction of<br />

the electronic transaction terminal, drivers must log<br />

on at the start, and log off at the end, of every shift.<br />

Drivers in Metropolitan, Outer Suburban and Urban<br />

taxi zones are also reminded that they must log<br />

on to the dispatch system of the affiliated network<br />

service provider at the beginning of every shift using<br />

your PIN. Sharing your PIN or logging on with<br />

someone else’s is an offense.<br />

Fines in excess of $350 apply to inappropriate<br />

use of smartcards and PINs. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


$<br />

MF LIC<br />

FiXeD TeRM<br />

Licence OnLY<br />

VHA $$$<br />

119 Errol St Nth Melb Call Jimmy 0412 717 616<br />

TAXI COVER<br />

VANs - SEDANs<br />

ALEX TAXIS<br />

& BROKER P/L<br />

Wanna Sell Sedan Lic?<br />

Licence $3000<br />

Licence $0.00<br />

LeASe - VTD $27,838 VAn - $40,000<br />

(Due SepT 2012) 2008 HiAce 337kMS<br />

LeASe - VTD $27,838 Dec<br />

> Fastest recovery for loss of income<br />

> Prompt repairs carried out<br />

> well equipped workshop in tottenham<br />

TAXI VHA<br />

MT Buyers @ $320,000 www.alextaxis.com<br />

$ MF VAN<br />

FiXeD TeRM<br />

Licence & VAn<br />

$50,000<br />

+GST=$55,000<br />

Alex tAxis mobile eftpos<br />

> Quick repairs to put you back on the road ASAP<br />

> Genuine parts used<br />

> Get rewarded for no claims and not at fault claims<br />

SMALLER > BRIGHTER > FASTER<br />

> Third party property / public liability cover 30 Million<br />

> 24hr Help Hotline 0425 837 766<br />

> TAXI YELLOW RESPRAYS FROM $1090 (incGST)<br />

119 Errol St Nth Melb Call Chantel 9348 9507<br />

ATB<br />

FOR ALL YOUR TAXI COVER


VTD UPDaTe<br />

Fatigue Management<br />

GUIDELINES FOR THE VICTORIAN TAXI INDUSTRY<br />

Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate<br />

Department of Transport<br />

On 16 May 2012 the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate (VTD) introduced<br />

a new system for the payment of annual licence<br />

fees. As a result the payment option for annual licence<br />

fees was amended to include, phone payment, online<br />

payment and payment at any Australia Post office.<br />

Annual licence fees can no longer be paid:<br />

• in person at the VTD or at a VicRoads office;<br />

• by credit card using an American Express or Diners<br />

Club Card; or<br />

• part payments using multiple credit cards or<br />

cheques.<br />

An invoice is issued for each licence. It is important that<br />

you pay each invoice separately and that you pay the<br />

correct invoice.<br />

22 | November 2012<br />

new driver fatigue<br />

guidelines<br />

Managing driver fatigue and making sure that taxi services<br />

are safe in Victoria is very important and the responsibility<br />

of all taxi industry participants. Driver fatigue is not only<br />

a risk to driver health and safety, but also to the safety of<br />

passenger and the public safety.<br />

To help the taxi industry understand the impact of fatigue<br />

and what can be done to manage it, the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong><br />

Directorate (VTD), in consultation with industry, WorkSafe<br />

Victoria, VicRoads, and leading experts in the field, have<br />

developed Fatigue Management: Guidelines for the Victorian<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Industry.<br />

The guidelines provide information on what fatigue is,<br />

how to identify it and its effects. They also provide suggestions<br />

or recommended fatigue management practices<br />

to help combat driver fatigue, including maximum shift<br />

lengths, the importance of regular breaks and the impact<br />

medical conditions and other health-related factors can<br />

have on driver well-being.<br />

Copies of Fatigue Management: Guidelines for the Victorian<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Industry are available online at www.taxi.vic.gov.<br />

au, through the VTD Customer Service Centre (Level 23,<br />

80 Collins Street, Melbourne) or by contacting the VTD on<br />

1800 639 802 D<br />

new arrangements for<br />

annual licence fee payments<br />

Please note that if you have paid your annual licence fee<br />

by cheque or money order it may take up to 10 business<br />

days to process this transaction.<br />

If you receive a reminder notice during this time the VTD<br />

may not be able to confirm payment until the transaction<br />

has been finalised.<br />

We appreciate your patience in these circumstances.<br />

Details of current payment options can be found at the<br />

bottom of the invoice issued to you.<br />

If you have any queries regarding annual licence fees or<br />

are concerned that your payment has not been received<br />

please contact the VTD on telephone 1800 638 802. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


<strong>Taxi</strong><br />

Rank<br />

Safety<br />

Safety around one of Melbourne’s most popular entertainment<br />

areas has received a massive boost with the<br />

installation of 18 new late night taxi ranks throughout the<br />

Chapel Street precinct.<br />

“This is about making one of our city’s most popular<br />

night spots safer,” Mr Mulder said.<br />

“The new ranks will be well lit and include flashing LED<br />

lane markings, to make them easy for passengers and<br />

drivers to identify. This initiative is a Victorian first and a<br />

national first, and we hope that similar projects will be<br />

adopted in other jurisdictions,” said Mr Mulder .<br />

The $500,000 initiative is the result of years of planning<br />

and contributions from the Stonnington City Council and<br />

the State Government through funds from the <strong>Taxi</strong> Rank<br />

Safety Program (TRSP), administered by the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong><br />

Directorate.<br />

Since its establishment in 2009, the TRSP has provided<br />

more than $2.4 million to 29 councils across Victoria to<br />

improve local taxi rank facilities. The TRSP provides grantbased<br />

funding to local governments across Victoria to establish<br />

or upgrade taxi rank facilities in their municipality.<br />

Applications for the next round of the TRSP are now<br />

open. Only Local Councils can apply for funding through<br />

the TRSP. Anyone with ideas or proposals for improving<br />

taxi rank facilities in their local area is encouraged to contact<br />

their council.<br />

Councils interested in applying for funding to boost taxi<br />

rank facilities in their local area are encouraged to visit<br />

www.taxi.vic.gov.au to download a copy of the program<br />

guidelines. Applications close on 16 November 2012. D<br />

For the best tyre value in town...come to Gaffney Tyres<br />

NEW TAXI<br />

TYRES<br />

High mileage<br />

High performance<br />

195 60R15 ..................$85<br />

215 60R16 ..................$80<br />

225 60R16 ................$110<br />

225 55R17 ................$125<br />

225 50R17 ................$125<br />

235 45R17 ..................$95<br />

245 45R18 ................$135<br />

235 60R17 (4WD TAXI) ..$165<br />

195 R15LT ................$100<br />

2nd hand tyres from $40<br />

l Nexen l Wanli l Hi Fly l Minerva<br />

l Gemstone l Goform l Bolex<br />

l Maxtrek l Rotalla l Maxxis<br />

l Bridgestone l Dunlop l Achilles<br />

GAFFNEY WHEELS & TYRES<br />

116 Gaffney Street, Coburg Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 9am-3pm<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Brakes from ......................$70<br />

Wheel Alignment .......................$25<br />

Wheel Balance Steel ..................$5<br />

Wheel Balance Aluminium ........$10<br />

Puncture Repairs .......................$15<br />

Replace Windscreen from ......$150<br />

Does your taxi pull to one side<br />

or wander all over the road?<br />

Wheel Alignment<br />

and Balancing<br />

Free when you purchase<br />

and fit 4 new taxi tyres. FREE<br />

Free rotation after 10,000 kms<br />

TAXI SERVICE<br />

$ 70<br />

$ 135<br />

9350 7265<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 23<br />

from<br />

gwt_0912


number of taxi<br />

licences<br />

METROPOLITAN 4,331<br />

(including 505 WAT vehicles)<br />

cOuNTRy 518<br />

(including 114 WAT vehicles)<br />

OuTER SuBuRBAN 161<br />

(including 34 WAT vehicles)<br />

uRBAN 237<br />

(Ballarat - Bendigo - Geelong)<br />

(including 35 WAT vehicles)<br />

TOTAL 5,247<br />

(including 688 WAT vehicles)<br />

number of driVers<br />

Active drivers 15,000 APPROX<br />

Accredited drivers 24,000 APPROX<br />

compliance<br />

outcomes<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> Inspections 1605<br />

Rectification Notices 388<br />

Infringement Notices 103<br />

Notices of Unroadworthiness 20<br />

Official Warnings 15<br />

24 | November 2012<br />

taxi<br />

$309,166<br />

transfers<br />

average metro licence transfer<br />

value for the month of<br />

September 2012<br />

all data on this page<br />

is provided by the<br />

Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong><br />

directorate<br />

and is for the<br />

month of<br />

September<br />

2012<br />

aSSiGnMenTS<br />

metro taxis 71<br />

licence TranSferS<br />

metro taxis 8<br />

urban 1<br />

country taxis 1<br />

hire car licences 5<br />

special licences 3<br />

licenceS iSSued<br />

taxi licences 0<br />

hire car licences 0<br />

special vehicles 3<br />

RH vehicles 5<br />

licenceS Traded BY<br />

aSSiGnMenT = 982<br />

(September 2011 - September 2012)<br />

number of<br />

victorian hire vehicle<br />

licences<br />

Metropolitan Hire Cars 921<br />

Country Hire Cars 76<br />

Special Purpose Vehicles 860<br />

Restricted Hire Cars 635<br />

ToTal 2,492<br />

$47,530<br />

average metro licence transfer value for the<br />

month of September 2012<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


OPEN<br />

7 DAYS<br />

TAXI UPDATES<br />

G6E<br />

XR6<br />

FG XT<br />

lmct 9707 carcentral_1112<br />

cheap finance rates...<br />

� CAR FINANCE<br />

TAXI<br />

finance all taxi vehicles (cars and vans, VHA vehicles, limos and others)<br />

� ALL TAXI LICENCES & VHA<br />

� HOME LOANS<br />

Best Deals In Town<br />

we can beat any price<br />

PH 0425 83 88 55<br />

yarrafinance<br />

experts in commercial finance<br />

proudly serving the taxi industry<br />

2010 FORD FALCON G6E SEDAN<br />

TAXI PACK-GAS-PETROL-TAXI YELLOW<br />

2010 FORD FALCON XR6 SEDAN<br />

TAXI PACK-LPG-PETROL-TAXI YELLOW<br />

cheap rates<br />

UP<br />

TO<br />

best service<br />

fast approvals<br />

PH: 9561 8876<br />

GAP COVER<br />

$<br />

30,000<br />

AVAILABLE<br />

CALL<br />

9AM - 9PM<br />

100,000 KMS / 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON GAS CONVERSIONS<br />

2010 FORD FALCON FG XT SEDAN<br />

TAXI PACK-GAS-PETROL-TAXI YELLOW<br />

easy finance<br />

available<br />

s/n 256 $27,990<br />

s/n/865 $22,990<br />

s/n 454 $21,990<br />

MORE CARS IN STOCK<br />

CALL TODAY FOR FULL DETAILS<br />

FAX 8502 0090<br />

We are accredited with over 30 banks and other lenders<br />

YF_0511


AAMI Victoria Derby Day<br />

Saturday, 3 November 2012<br />

Gates Open 8.30am<br />

Peak pickup times – 4.30pm – 7:00pm<br />

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day<br />

Tuesday, 6 November 2012<br />

Gates Open 8.30am<br />

Peak pickup times – 4.30pm – 7:00pm<br />

Crown Oaks Day<br />

Thursday, 8 November 2012<br />

Gates Open 10.15am<br />

Peak pickup times – 5.00pm – 7.30pm<br />

Emirates Stakes Day<br />

Saturday, 10 November 2012<br />

Gates Open 9.30am<br />

Peak pickup times – 4.15pm – 7.00pm<br />

26 | November 2012<br />

Melbourne Cup Carnival<br />

is one of the peak demand periods<br />

for Melbourne’s taxi services.<br />

Three main TAXI RANKS operate throughout the four days of the<br />

Melbourne Cup Carnival:<br />

• main taxi rank (Main Members / Public Turnstiles & Rose<br />

Arbour): Entry to the main taxi rank is at Stables Drive via<br />

Smithfield Road to the designated rank via the internal taxi<br />

road.<br />

• leonard crescent taxi rank (The Hill Turnstiles): Enter<br />

Leonard Crescent (one-way access) via Langs Road exiting<br />

via Fisher Parade.<br />

• elms taxi rank (River Precinct): Entry to the Elms Precinct is<br />

at Lynches Bridge Gatehouse from Smithfield Road (one way<br />

access) to the designated taxi rank, exiting via Fisher Parade.<br />

At the end of each race day, controlled taxi ranks will operate at<br />

all of the above locations.<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong>s are not permitted entry to the Racecourse at Members<br />

Drive or Flemington Drive.<br />

Patrons can be dropped off at the Winning Post drop-off area,<br />

however, this is not a dedicated taxi rank. Passengers are encouraged<br />

to make their way to the Riverbank <strong>Taxi</strong> Rank for the journey<br />

home. D<br />

Men’s Hockey<br />

Champions’ Trophy<br />

The Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy Melbourne 2012 will<br />

be held from 1 - 9 December 2012 at the State Netball Hockey<br />

Centre in Royal Park, Parkville. With eight nations competing<br />

in this international event, there promises to be many spectators<br />

and a strong demand for taxis. For more information and<br />

fixtures visit www.hockeyaustralia.com.au. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


3 Entry via Leonard Crescent to<br />

drop off at Hill Gate Turnstile<br />

(one way)<br />

2 Entry via Lynchs Bridge to<br />

drop off at Elms Turnstiles<br />

(one way)<br />

1 Entry via Stables Drive to<br />

drop off at Main Turnstile<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong>s/Limousines<br />

Ascot Vale Rd.<br />

Epsom Rd.<br />

Limousine<br />

Holding Bay<br />

Unreserved<br />

Railway Platform<br />

One Way<br />

Leonard Cres.<br />

Fisher Pde.<br />

3<br />

H<br />

The Hill Gate<br />

Racecourse Rd.<br />

Stables Dve.<br />

Riverbank<br />

Entrance<br />

Stables Drive<br />

Entrance<br />

Coaches & Limousines<br />

Holding Bay<br />

Smithfield Rd<br />

Maribyrnong<br />

River<br />

Kensington Rd.<br />

Hobsons<br />

Rd.<br />

NOVE<strong>MB</strong>Er 2010 TAxi TAlk - VOiCE Of ThE TAxi iNduSTry<br />

41<br />

One Way<br />

1<br />

Lynchs Bridge<br />

Entrance<br />

carnival 2011<br />

2<br />

LEGEND<br />

Limousines are not permitted<br />

past the Limousine Holding<br />

Bay after 3pm. Call down<br />

arrangements will operate.


E<strong>MB</strong>rACE ThE<br />

Over the past 2 years the wider taxi industry and<br />

the payment systems that support it have come into<br />

the spotlight for Government inquiry and reform. We<br />

have seen:<br />

1. The Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Inquiry, whose report is to be<br />

tabled in Parliament by 12 Dec 2012;<br />

2. The IPART Inquiry into licensing practices in NSW;<br />

3. The ACCC conviction of Cabcharge in 2010 with<br />

fines of $15m for Sect 46 Breaches;<br />

4. The RBA’s review of Card Surcharging;<br />

5. The QLD Government’s review of ways of integrating<br />

payments, dispatch and meters; and its<br />

review of its TSS program (the equivalent of the<br />

M40).<br />

The breadth of these regulatory and government initiatives,<br />

in particular the comprehensive nature of the<br />

Victorian Inquiry, has caused uncertainty and concern<br />

among many in the industry. This is because we all<br />

grow comfortable with the way things are.<br />

It is instructive to look outside the taxi industry to<br />

compare significant Government reforms. In the past<br />

30 years we have seen the:<br />

1. Deregulation of banking - Once we had 6 national<br />

banks offering 4 products to retail consumers<br />

and only a handful more to business. Now we<br />

have 26 banks with the “majors” offering over 200<br />

products to retail consumers alone. It is argued<br />

by some that these reforms didn’t go far enough.<br />

2. Reform and competition in telecommunications<br />

to release the single supplier dominance<br />

of Telstra lowered phone and internet costs and<br />

opened new ways for all of us to do business.<br />

3. Competition in electricity that removed inefficient<br />

state owned monopolies.<br />

I worked on two of these major reforms. I was involved<br />

in the establishment of Optus as part of telecommunications<br />

reform and secondly in the reform<br />

of the electricity industry in Victoria. What I learned is<br />

that these reforms have created new business indus-<br />

28 |November 2012<br />

try structures, new business practices and new products<br />

and services. Productivity grew, the economy<br />

became stronger and consumers were better served.<br />

The current reforms proposed for taxis have the potential<br />

to deliver similar wide-ranging benefits to drivers,<br />

operators and most importantly to passengers.<br />

It’s obvious to all that Governments have the opinion<br />

that the taxi industry, of which I am a participant,<br />

has a pattern of trying to resist change and to protect<br />

the status quo. Public perception of the industry is that<br />

it is tired of sub-standard service quality, and service<br />

delivery and significant change is overdue.<br />

The <strong>Taxi</strong> Inquiry has reviewed many of the issues<br />

that drivers, operators and the VTA have flagged over<br />

the years. These include bailment, insurance and assignment<br />

processes, all of which are key drivers in industry<br />

behaviour.<br />

In addition, it has opened a comprehensive review<br />

of the industry’s approach to technology, dispatch,<br />

payments, all part of the industry’s fulfillment capability.<br />

It is clear that despite the industry’s view, the industry<br />

has failed in many of these areas. The industry has<br />

for too long been limited by the constraints of legacy<br />

systems, legacy technology and legacy infrastructure<br />

in these key areas. This has locked in business models<br />

that are failing, where the only change possible is<br />

tinkering at the margins whilst locking in Operators<br />

and Drivers to antiquated technologies and inefficient<br />

cost structures.<br />

Overall the <strong>Taxi</strong> Inquiry’s reforms are designed to<br />

cause the fundamental value network of the industry<br />

to be reshaped over the next 4 to 5 years.<br />

The challenge for the industry and its participants<br />

is to embrace the opportunity presented by reform.<br />

Find ways to lead reform within the Government’s reform<br />

framework. Survival should not be the mantra of<br />

the industry. It should be, to embrace reform, create<br />

world’s best practice and be the example of quality<br />

taxi service delivery that others aspire to emulate.<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


The cabfare approach<br />

When we started CabFare we did so with a clean<br />

slate. We came from outside the industry. We listened<br />

to people in the industry, talked to passengers, operators<br />

and drivers. What emerged was a desire for a<br />

different approach. What we found was an industry<br />

plagued with:<br />

1. High card merchant service fees due to high level<br />

of fraud thriving on card not present transactions<br />

(paper dockets) which also led to significantly<br />

high levels of chargebacks;<br />

2. Payment systems that didn’t integrate with other<br />

service systems;<br />

3. Store and forward electronic payment systems<br />

that allowed stolen credit card transactions;<br />

4. Operators and drivers lacked visibility of key business<br />

metrics through the lack of business information<br />

systems;<br />

5. A belief that the dominant industry payment platform<br />

was leading edge when clearly it lagged<br />

when compared with other industries.<br />

Passengers wanted a fast, simple and secure transaction<br />

experience that delivered an itemised Tax Invoice<br />

with a copy available to view in real time online,<br />

and NO paper dockets.<br />

So we have built and delivered the safest, simplest<br />

and most secure system for all.<br />

It ensures that when a fare is paid with a valid credit,<br />

debit or charge card a driver gets paid, the passenger<br />

can view the transaction receipt online within seconds<br />

of the transaction completed, and the operator can<br />

view their fleet performance in real time. This is done<br />

within a security envelope that meets the requirements<br />

of the Australian banking system, so no card data is<br />

stored inside CabFare, and all without paper dockets.<br />

Innovation and change is in our DNA. We think outside<br />

the box so we believe it’s time for change. Going<br />

forward, we will embrace the opportunity the various<br />

inquiries deliver and be the change agents we believe<br />

the industry needs and customers demand.<br />

Over the coming months we will release new products<br />

and innovations. These will enhance the driver,<br />

operator and most importantly the passenger experience.<br />

For example with Tyro, our payment partner, we<br />

will challenge the existing payment paradigm with its<br />

reliance on paper and plastic. We believe that new<br />

technology can be harnessed to deliver a safer more<br />

reliable Passenger experience.<br />

For CabFare, as we embrace the opportunity, our<br />

aim remains to continue to make payments and taxi<br />

travel safer, simpler and more secure for all.<br />

david hamilton<br />

CabFare D<br />

Operators<br />

Take your business to the next level<br />

• The EFTPOS system that allows<br />

Operators to manage all transactions<br />

in their fleet by driver or by vehicle<br />

• View transactions in real-time on<br />

your smartphone, iPad or PC<br />

• Embrace the most secure EFTPOS<br />

system with the lowest chargebacks<br />

Fast . Simple . Secure<br />

www.cabfare.com.au<br />

1300 721 966<br />

@cabfare<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 29


do you ignore your fines ?<br />

That won’t make them go away!<br />

Sheriff’s Officers in Victoria are<br />

responsible for enforcing civil and<br />

criminal warrants and enforcing court<br />

orders, particularly for unpaid fines.<br />

Common offences for which fines are<br />

issued include toll offences, parking<br />

offences and traffic offences.<br />

There are approximately 200 Sheriff’s<br />

Officers in Victoria who routinely<br />

contact people, including taxi drivers,<br />

at their homes and businesses, to encourage<br />

them to take action on their<br />

unpaid fines.<br />

Sheriff’s Officers in Victoria also<br />

carry out random roadblocks and<br />

blitzes in conjunction with Victoria<br />

Police, the Victorian <strong>Taxi</strong> Directorate<br />

(VTD) and other enforcement agencies<br />

to catch offenders on the road.<br />

The Sheriff has a number of ways<br />

to identify people who have outstanding<br />

fines, including Automatic Number<br />

Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.<br />

Cars fitted with ANPR can<br />

identify large numbers of vehicles<br />

with related outstanding warrants.<br />

This technology can be used anywhere,<br />

including in car parks and at<br />

roadblock operations.<br />

This technology has dramatically<br />

improved the ability of the Sheriff to<br />

detect vehicles of interest.<br />

If a taxi driver fails to pay their fines<br />

and a warrant is issued, the Sheriff<br />

has the power to do a number of<br />

30 | November 2012<br />

things to enforce the warrant. These<br />

include:<br />

• taking and selling their assets<br />

• suspending their driver licence<br />

or vehicle registration<br />

• preventing them from renewing<br />

or transferring their vehicle registration<br />

• clamping their vehicle<br />

• arresting them.<br />

This means that taxi drivers run<br />

the risk of losing their licence, having<br />

their registration cancelled and<br />

having their vehicle seized and sold<br />

if they continue to disregard their unpaid<br />

fines.<br />

Below are three recent examples<br />

of Sheriff’s Officers taking action to<br />

enforce unpaid fines against taxi drivers.<br />

Case 1<br />

A taxi driver was intercepted by Sheriff’s<br />

Officers at a roadblock. The driver<br />

had outstanding fines valued at over<br />

$10,000, as well as an imprisonment<br />

warrant. The Sheriff arrested the driver<br />

and the owner of the taxi had to<br />

collect the vehicle.<br />

Case 2<br />

Sheriff’s Officers intercepted a taxi<br />

driver at a roadblock who had passengers<br />

on board. His vehicle was<br />

wheel-clamped due to a large<br />

amount of unpaid fines. He was unable<br />

to make arrangements to pay<br />

the outstanding amount, so the Sheriff’s<br />

Officers took the car to be sold to<br />

satisfy the outstanding fines. Another<br />

taxi was called to collect the passengers.<br />

Case 3<br />

Sheriff’s Officers went to the home of<br />

a taxi driver who had a large number<br />

of outstanding fines and a warrant for<br />

his imprisonment. The driver failed to<br />

produce identification when asked by<br />

the Officers. The Officers contacted<br />

the VTD, who were able to use the<br />

driver’s vehicle GPS to connect the<br />

driver and the taxi to the address<br />

they were attending. As his identity<br />

had been confirmed through this process,<br />

the Sheriff’s Officers were able<br />

to arrest the driver.<br />

Drivers need to remember that ignoring<br />

their fines won’t make them go<br />

away. The Sheriffs can be anywhere<br />

at any time.<br />

Paying fines on time is always the<br />

best way to avoid further penalties.<br />

The earlier drivers pay their fines, the<br />

less they pay. Drivers can contact<br />

1300 SHERIFF to speak to an officer<br />

and find out what options are available.<br />

Further information is available<br />

at www.fines.vic.gov.au. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


Classified<br />

Classified<br />

Classified<br />

SET PRICE MAXI TAXIS<br />

ADVERTISEMENTS<br />

Maxi <strong>Taxi</strong>s with permanent runs<br />

on set price. (Mon-Fri set price<br />

or Weekly set price.) Permanent<br />

runs are in Northern suburbs and<br />

Eastern suburbs. Conventional<br />

taxis also on set price. Phone<br />

9555 7777 for more information.<br />

Be YoUr owN Boss<br />

SUCCESSFUL CHAUFFEUR CAR COMPANY FOR SALE<br />

3xVHA licences, 2xSV licences, 2x7 series BMWs, 1xHoldren<br />

Caprice, 1xNissan EL Grand Van. Includes:- 1300<br />

number, website & phone, 12 years of maintained customers,<br />

lge corporate accounts & hotel contracts, business<br />

assets - $350,000, business declares $400,000+ pa, seller<br />

is relocating overseas. Asking price $515,000. Call John<br />

on 1300 660 169 for further information.<br />

sUNshiNe Coast QLd<br />

Change your life and buy a taxi licence in Queensland. Licences<br />

from $300,000 to $460,000 depending on conditions<br />

of licences. For more information visit www.suncoastcabs.<br />

com.au or call John on 07 5441 8877.<br />

Queensland - beautiful one day, perfect the next!<br />

.<br />

advertise here<br />

$ 25<br />

for 30 words<br />

VISA MIGRATION<br />

Permanent resident<br />

For the professional advice you need -<br />

contact Ray Brown, Migration Agent today.<br />

Reg # 0213358 Phone: 5792 4056<br />

Mobile: 0409 169 147<br />

Email: raybrown888@bigpond.com<br />

KIA TAXI FOR SALE<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> KIA - 2008 model with<br />

government licence.<br />

Call Eastmoor <strong>Taxi</strong>s on<br />

9555 7777 - Raj or<br />

0430 202 878 - Igor.<br />

How to advertise in <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> classifieds:<br />

• SEND your classified advertisement ($25 for 1-30 words - $50 for 31-60 words)<br />

• BY the 15th of the month prior to publication<br />

• PLUS your payment to <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> magazine, PO Box 2345, Mt Waverley, VIC 3149<br />

• OR... Direct credit <strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> bank account BSB=033065 A/C number = 312786 Ref = your name<br />

• OR... Pay via PAYPAL via info@taxitalk.com.au and email your words to info@taxitalk.com.au<br />

GRAND OPENING<br />

GRAND OPENING<br />

GRAND OPENING<br />

TULLA TYRES<br />

PUNCTURE REPAIRS $15<br />

3D LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT $25<br />

taxis only special price<br />

COMPUTER WHEEL BALANCE $5<br />

BATTERIES from $135<br />

SpECIAl pRICES foR TAxIS<br />

9939 7621<br />

TULLA TYRES<br />

NEW CAB TYRES<br />

195 60 15 $ 85<br />

195 65 15 $ 85<br />

205 65 15 $ 75<br />

215 60 16 $ 80<br />

225 50 16 $115<br />

225 55 16 $120<br />

225 60 16 $105<br />

225 70 16 $140<br />

225 50 17 $120<br />

225 55 17 $120<br />

235 60 17 $165<br />

235 50 17 $120<br />

235 45 17 $ 95<br />

245 45 17 $125<br />

225 40 18 $110<br />

235 40 18 $110<br />

245 40 18 $125<br />

245 45 18 $130<br />

245 35 19 $125<br />

185 R14 $ 75 LT<br />

195 R14 $ 85 LT<br />

195 R15 $100 LT<br />

BUY DIRECT<br />

AND SAVE<br />

FREE<br />

Rotation<br />

& Balance<br />

every 10,000kms<br />

with every 4<br />

new tyres<br />

TULLA_1012<br />

20 GARDEN DRIVE TULLAMARINE<br />

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am - 5.30pm Sat: 9am - 3pm<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 31


THe<br />

HaPPY<br />

eMPloYee Keeping employees<br />

happy and reducing<br />

staff turnover<br />

Genuine engagement, building positive relationships and getting to<br />

know your employees, is essential in helping to reduce staff turnover.<br />

Getting this right is a long term investment in the future of your business<br />

which will mean an increase in productivity and profit.<br />

It’s been said that 70 per cent of employees leave their boss - not their<br />

job. It’s staggering to consider the power of the employee-employer relationship<br />

in either keeping or losing staff.<br />

how do you know your employees are engaged?<br />

An engaged employee is one who feels valued and knows that when<br />

they raise an issue, it will be heard. This means that issues are raised<br />

and dealt with before they become too big or unmanageable. A focus on<br />

engagement also provides the manager with insight into the workplace<br />

culture, giving them a first-hand advantage to manage and fully understand<br />

issues as they arise.<br />

32 | November 2012<br />

6 tips to keep your staff<br />

Engagement doesn’t need to be<br />

at a huge cost - strategies for engagement<br />

can be as simple as:<br />

1. undertaking small gestures<br />

in the workplace to commemorate<br />

achievement -<br />

2.<br />

even a genuine thank you will<br />

be noticed and appreciated<br />

recognition of the ‘person’ -<br />

this may be through keeping<br />

track of birthdays or other<br />

special occasions and acknowledging<br />

these<br />

3. encouraging friendly competition<br />

in the workplace where<br />

appropriate - for example,<br />

measuring and communicating<br />

sales figures or production<br />

targets met<br />

4. ensuring that any issues<br />

raised are taken seriously<br />

and dealt with fairly, promptly<br />

and transparently<br />

5. ensuring there are opportunities<br />

to ‘touch base’ directly<br />

with managers as needed or<br />

at set points throughout the<br />

year<br />

6. measuring performance so<br />

underachievers can be supported<br />

to reach the requirements<br />

and/or performance<br />

managed; and your high<br />

performers rewarded. D<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


Book your<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> inspection now.<br />

Road Safety Inspections has dedicated taxi<br />

inspectors who provide you with the ultimate<br />

taxi inspection service completed in under<br />

an hour.<br />

Included in our service is:<br />

• On-site vehicle registration<br />

• Clearance Clearanceof of unroadworthy and and defect defect notices notices<br />

• Spare Annual parts Roadworthy for minor repairs Inspections - at cost<br />

Call Road Safety Inspections now on<br />

9646 3362 to book an appointment.<br />

Same day appointments<br />

available.<br />

www.busvic.asn.au<br />

Performance Coatings<br />

Service.<br />

Sales.<br />

Support.<br />

To advertise in<br />

<strong>Magazine</strong><br />

TAXI TALK<br />

Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry<br />

AdVErTiSE<br />

call Toni or Stan on<br />

iN 9807 NExT 0237<br />

MONTh’S<br />

TAxi TAlk<br />

MAGAZiNE<br />

Contact Toni Peters at<br />

Trade Promotions Pty Ltd<br />

P (03) 9807 0237<br />

E info@taxitalk.com.au<br />

F (03) 9807 3401<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry November 2012 | 33<br />

taxi service guide<br />

T


airPorT NeWs<br />

changes at<br />

Melbourne airport<br />

Melbourne Airport taxi system upgrade complete<br />

There are some minor changes to procedures<br />

for taxis at Melbourne Airport following an<br />

upgrade to the taxi gates. The upgrade means<br />

that printed tickets are no longer required.<br />

Signs and stickers which inform passengers<br />

to ask drivers for tickets, as proof of purchase<br />

will be updated in due course. In the interim,<br />

the VTD has produced an open letter to the taxi<br />

industry regarding the airport parking fee and<br />

ticketing change.<br />

A copy of this letter (which is available via the VTD<br />

website www.taxi.vic.gov.au), should be retained in<br />

each applicable taxi and can be presented to passengers<br />

if required.<br />

With regard to access into Depot Drive yard, drivers<br />

should now simply remain in the same lane as the gate<br />

they enter in. By remaining in the same lane this will<br />

ensure a smooth flow and access to the airport’s taxi<br />

ranks, all taxis are to simply merge, one vehicle at a<br />

time from the right and left lanes when entering into<br />

and exiting from Service Road.<br />

Melbourne Airport appreciates your patience as<br />

these new procedures are introduced to improve efficiency<br />

and service.<br />

CABBiES frEE ENTry<br />

to Melbourne’s Zoos<br />

Zoos Victoria invites all Victorian taxi drivers<br />

for a free day out at the zoo during the month of<br />

November. Discover the three unique zoos: Mel-<br />

Voice<br />

of the taxi industry<br />

TAXI<br />

magazine<br />

Alex <strong>Taxi</strong> & Broker 21<br />

Blue Star <strong>Taxi</strong>’s 5<br />

CabFare 1, 29<br />

Car Central 25<br />

DuPont Perform. Coatings 33<br />

Flashcab 36<br />

Gaffney Wheels & Tyres 23<br />

GLV Motors 7<br />

Goodstone Pty Ltd 9<br />

Live <strong>Taxi</strong> Epay 17<br />

Martin Meters 19<br />

Metro Club Inc 21<br />

Metropolitan <strong>Taxi</strong> Club 13<br />

Pie Face 12<br />

Road Safety Inspections 33<br />

Schmidt Electronic Labs 11<br />

Information about all Melbourne Airport projects will<br />

be updated regularly on www.melbourneairport.com.<br />

au. Stay up to date with activities by signing up to Melbourne<br />

Airport’s twitter account @melair. D<br />

Melrose <strong>Taxi</strong> Yard Data Collection<br />

As of 15 October, the slip lane behind the cafe<br />

at Melrose <strong>Taxi</strong> Yard will have a boom gate. The<br />

new boom gate is to improve information captured<br />

to ultimately improve facilities and service<br />

at Melbourne Airport and no additional fees will<br />

be incurred as a result of this new boom gate. D<br />

bourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary or Werribee<br />

Open Range Zoo.<br />

Just show your valid taxi driver photo card for<br />

free entry. Remember kids are free every weekend!<br />

Offer valid from 1-30 November 2012. Open<br />

daily 9am-5pm. D<br />

ADVERTISER’S DIRECTORY<br />

Southern Cross Business<br />

Finance 14<br />

sqbee 32<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong>care Australia 2-3<br />

Tulla Tyres 31<br />

United 35<br />

Yarra Finance 25<br />

<strong>Taxi</strong> <strong>Talk</strong> - Voice of the <strong>Taxi</strong> Industry


Win a $500<br />

UnitedCard Voucher<br />

Win a $500 UnitedCard Voucher<br />

Start using your card for the chance to win a $500*<br />

UnitedCard Voucher – there is one up for grabs every month!<br />

Join United <strong>Taxi</strong> Rewards Plus Cards and save<br />

No joining fees<br />

*Terms and conditions apply<br />

United Petroleum 1300 FUEL UP (1300 383 587)<br />

*For a full list of T&Cs please visit<br />

www.unitedpetroleum.com.au/unitedcard/taxi-card


WAT VEHICLES<br />

MASSIVE<br />

$AVING$<br />

NEW TOYOTA TARAGO TAXIS<br />

FULLY APPROVED - IN STOCK<br />

1800 775 333<br />

fc_1012

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!