New Fines For Taxi Drivers Ripping Off Disabled Passengers

Taxi drivers who refuse to accept travel subsidy dockets and cards from disabled passengers will be facing fines of $3,000 as the government introduces new measures to make transport more accessible. 

Thanks to a longstanding loophole, taxi drivers who refuse to accept payment under the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme, which subsidises trips for those who aren’t able to use public transport, have faced no penalty.

Some drivers have claimed their taxi is not equipped to take payment under the scheme, even leaving disabled passengers on the side of the road after payment disputes, but new reforms will compel all taxi service providers to ensure all drivers in NSW are set up to meet the requirements of the scheme.

The reforms will also see increased fines for drivers who start the meter before a passenger in a wheelchair is safely secured in the taxi. 

Transport minister John Graham said stories of disabled people being ripped off by drivers was infuriating.

“The majority of cab drivers do the right thing every time and I want to thank them for that, but we will continue to pursue the bad apples in the industry,” he said.”

“People with disability have every right to lead their lives fully and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme helps ensure they can do so.

“These $3000 fines make clear our zero-tolerance for taxi drivers who take advantage of any passenger, disabled or not.”

Protections extended to interstate travellers

Those travelling from out of state will also be protected by the reforms, with fines applying to drivers who deny interstate schemes. This includes the extension to ACT-based wheelchair accessible taxi operators when serving Queanbeyan residents.

Queanbeyan residents who use wheelchairs rely on ACT-based accessible services but haven’t been prioritised, with taxi operators are not eligible for incentives under the NSW Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Disability Insurance Scheme.

“For many people with disability, particularly in regional areas, taxis aren’t a convenience – they are essential,” said regional transport minister, Jenny Aitchison.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of drivers do the right thing, and they deserve credit for the professional service they provide every day. But those who refuse fares, refuse TTSS payments, or attempt to overcharge will face serious consequences.”

The changes comes as the Minns government tightens penalties for dodgy drivers, and has also seen disqualifying offences introduced for drivers convicted of two or more refusals of a passenger travelling with an assistance animal or assistance animal in training, with fines for those refusing tripled to $3,000.

More than $1 million in fines have been issued by the Point to Point Commissioner to drivers over the past two years.