Independent review of WA taxi industry announced

12/2/99

Transport Minister Murray Criddle today announced an independent review of the Western Australian taxi industry.

Mr Criddle said a vital part of the review commissioned by Transport would be public consultation, allowing Western Australians from all areas to have their say on the taxi industry.

A series of industry and public meetings will be held across metropolitan and regional WA as part of a comprehensive community consultation project.

To be conducted by BSD Consultants, the review has been designed to come up with recommendations to improve the way the taxi industry is governed, how it operates and the service it offers.

"The public consultation phase will run from February 13 to March 13, and will include public meetings, and the opportunity for people to lodge written submissions," Mr Criddle said.

"This review is crucial to an industry which has undergone widespread change and improvement in the past couple of years and we want to make sure regulations governing the quality of service and safety are adequate.

"The taxi industry is a vital part of the public transport chain and we want to see continued improvement with the focus clearly on customer service.

"We want to see continued innovation, and flexibility across the board, and that includes examining the ability of the industry to reduce some fares through internal competition."

Mr Criddle said the State Government set a maximum fare but there was little price competition between the two major companies.

"We want the review to look at fares and try to find a workable system that encourages price competition between the companies," he said.

The Minister said the review would examine a range of industry questions including:

·         How services can be improved on Friday and Saturday nights, in outer suburbs, for short trips and in terms of customer information?

·         Are there enough taxis in the State?

·         Are taxi fares reasonable?

·         Are taxi services to people with disabilities reasonable?

·         Are the standards of drivers and vehicles acceptable?

Public meetings will be held in the metropolitan area in the week beginning February 22 and in Kalgoorlie, on February 23; Bunbury, March 3; Port Hedland, March 8; Broome, March 9; and Geraldton on March 10.

Anyone interested in making a comment on the taxi industry can obtain a copy of an issues paper produced by BSD Consultants or register for the meetings by contacting the consultants on 08 9273 3888. Regional callers can use the toll free line on 1800 653 604.

Written submissions should be sent to Dr. Martin West, BSD Consultants, at PO Box 155, Subiaco WA 6904, or to westm@bsd.com.au by email. The issues paper can be viewed and submissions made on the http://www.bsd.com.au Internet site.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333