Perth taxis and the GST

30/6/00
Transport Minister Murray Criddle has announced that Perth's taxi users will not face the full impact of the 10 per cent GST.
Mr Criddle said that passengers would benefit from savings made through the new tax system when it was introduced on July 1.
These savings came from tax savings on vehicle costs, parts and fuel.
"As a result of passing these savings on to the consumer, all taxi passengers will pay less than the full 10 per cent GST," Mr Criddle said.
"The exact percentage increase will vary from region to region, depending on varying operating costs.
"The net impact of GST on each region has been determined through a national approach undertaken as a joint project with taxi regulators.
"The resultant fare increases were based on a fares assessment model created nationally by Price Waterhouse Coopers and endorsed by taxi regulators and industry key stakeholders around the country."
In the metropolitan area, the increase will be, on average, 7.4 per cent.
For instance, for a nine-kilometre journey with a three-minute waiting time, the day fare will rise from $12.95 to $13.95 and the night fare from $14.05 to $15.15.
A similar journey on the tariff for a group of six people or more will rise from $19.30 to $20.70.
Mr Criddle said that all taxis would have their meters modified during July. In the meantime, taxi drivers would be provided with conversion cards to help calculate the new taxi fare.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham on 9321 7333