Carnarvon Taxi Charter aims at a better service for all

4/6/02
Taxi owners, operators and users in Carnarvon will have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities following the release of a special customer service charter by the State Government.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the charter was a first for regional Western Australia.
Ms MacTiernan said that by educating passengers and setting standards for the local industry, the charter aimed to reduce the potential for disagreement between drivers and passengers.
"The charter clearly states the responsibilities of a customer including prepayment of the full fare when requested by a driver, no eating or drinking in a taxi and only carrying alcohol in sealed containers in the boot of the taxi," she said.
"Drivers must assist passengers and treat them with courtesy and respect and ensure that the taxi is clean tidy and roadworthy."
Ms MacTiernan said the Carnarvon Taxi Industry Customer Service Charter had been the first initiative of the Carnarvon Taxi Industry Accord - a group representing major stakeholders formed to address issues confronting the local taxi industry.
"Working together representatives of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure, the Carnarvon taxi companies, the Police Service, the Shire of Carnarvon, the Public and Community Health Unit and taxi customers have produced an easy-to-read document that clearly states the rights and responsibilities of taxi users, owners and drivers," the Minister said.
Last year the Department for Planning and Infrastructure identified a number of issues hindering the smooth operation of the taxi industry and taxi services in Carnarvon.
The department implemented an action plan to address the issues which included the establishment of the Accord and the development of a Customer Service Charter.
The department has also commenced work on a Code of Conduct for the Carnarvon taxi industry and there have been improvements implemented State-wide to the handling procedures for complaints against taxi operators in regional areas.
Copies of the Customer Service Charter will be distributed throughout the community and are available from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure in Carnarvon on (08) 9941 1830.
Minister's office: 9213 6400