- Department of Transport and Major
Infrastructure, WA Police and Australian Federal Police target taxi and
rideshare operators in joint compliance operation
- Vehicle checks conducted resulted in penalties
for some drivers
- Targeted campaigns will continue throughout 2025
A recent joint compliance operation targeting taxi and
rideshare operators at Perth Airport found several non-compliant drivers and
vehicles.
This operation was the start of a campaign to address
increasing reports of industry non-compliance with responsibilities under the Transport
(Road Passenger Services) Act 2018.
The operation, held last month, was a collaboration between
the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI), Perth Airport, WA
Police Force and Australian Federal Police, aimed to investigate and disrupt
any illegal activities.
Over the half-day operation, full vehicle checks were
completed across taxi paddocks, ranks and concourses for Terminal 1 and
Terminal 3, along with the rideshare parking area at Terminal 3.
While most drivers and vehicles checked were compliant, some
drivers received penalties, with some vehicles being temporarily removed from
service.
Offences included:
- 1
driver was removed from the rank for not having the appropriate
authorisation
- 6
work orders were placed on unroadworthy vehicles
- 4
vehicles received work orders for inoperable camera surveillance units
- 6
cautions were issued to rideshare drivers regarding signage
- 10
vehicles were temporarily removed from service.
These
targeted campaigns will continue through 2025, complementing DTMI's education
and compliance regime. Industry, passengers, and the public are encouraged to
continue reporting incidents to the taxi or rideshare company involved, and directly
to DTMI.
For more
information, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/odt
Comments attributed
to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"People
should expect that when they get in a taxi or rideshare, it is roadworthy and
compliant, and their driver is authorised and displaying identification
information.
"DTMI is
joining with other agencies to conduct these compliance activities, and I make
no apology to anyone who is caught and penalised for having an unroadworthy
vehicle or driving without the right authorisation.
"These
compliance operations will continue, with no warning as to where or when
they'll take place.
"DTMI will
also be using 'secret shoppers' to specifically target fare refusals, drivers
trying to agree fixed fares, meter usage and driver identification display."
Comments attributed
to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport Jessica Stojkovski:
"We encourage
on-demand transport passengers to know their rights when using taxi or
rideshare services.
"DTMI has online
tools at www.transport.wa.gov.au/tripcheck that enable passengers to easily check if
their on-demand booking service and driver are authorised.
"Authorised
providers go through regular criminal and medical checks to ensure their
passengers' safety. It is also important that passengers always request a
receipt for their journey, which will provide vital information for their
records.
"In addition to the
on-going compliance activities, DTMI has online materials to promote passenger
safety and ensure driver and booking service compliance."
