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Taxi Services Reform To Commence With Industry Inquiry

A new Taxi Industry Inquiry will be established to recommend and implement sweeping reforms to Victoria’s troubled taxi industry, said Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe.

By Russell Northe - 6th April 2011 - Back to News

The Inquiry will be chaired by eminent reformer Professor Allan Fels AO. The Fels Inquiry’s key tasks would include improving low levels of public confidence, providing better security and support services for drivers and safety for customers, and ensuring drivers were properly trained and knowledgeable.

"The state of the taxi industry has deteriorated under the former Labor Government, failing both passengers and the industry," Mr Northe said.

"It is a troubled industry that needs significant reform to drive improvements in service for the benefit of metropolitan and regional travellers."

Mr Northe said key problems included:

• safety and security for passengers and drivers;

• insufficient support for drivers;

• low customer satisfaction, with a sharp decline over the past five to six years;

• too many poorly-skilled drivers with inadequate knowledge;

• a high turnover of drivers resulting in a shortage of experienced drivers;

• complex ownership and management structures;

• lack of competition; and

• too much of the industry revenue not being directed to the service providers – the drivers and operators.

The reform process will include two stages. In the first stage, the Fels Inquiry will undertake a comprehensive inquiry into the service, safety and competition issues in the Victorian taxi industry.

In the second stage, following Professor Fels’ investigation, a Taxi Services Commission will take over the role of industry regulator, giving it the powers and tools necessary to reform the taxi industry.

The Taxi Services Commission will be established as a statutory authority.

The Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) will operate as normal until the Commission is established. During the second stage staff and resources from the VTD will move to the new body as it assumes the ongoing role of regulator.

The Fels Inquiry will begin in May. For further information visit http://www.doi.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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