A family visiting Australia from overseas thought they were getting a standard taxi ride from Sydney Airport to their CBD hotel. Instead, they were slugged $188 for a 13-kilometre journey that should have cost around $60—and it's exactly this type of exploitation that has prompted NSW to introduce its toughest penalties yet for dodgy cabbies.
The driver responsible for that shocking overcharge was later fined $2000 by the court after pleading guilty to failing to use the meter and overcharging, following a complaint to the Taxi Fare Hotline.
But this case represents just the tip of the iceberg in NSW's ongoing battle against taxi fare fraud.
'Tripling the penalty for first-time offence should serve as a big flashing light to any taxi driver doing the wrong thing that the NSW Government has zero tolerance for rip-offs and rackets'
Understanding the new penalty system
While the original penalty for fare-related offences was $300, the Government increased the fine for drivers caught overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares to $1000 from $300 in July 2023, with 1000 fines issued since November 2022.
However, when cases go to court for serious offences, penalties can reach $2000 or more, as seen in the airport case.
The confusion around penalty amounts stems from the different enforcement pathways. For a first offence, drivers will typically receive a $1,000 penalty notice.
However, in cases where the offence is serious or significant, the Commissioner will consider prosecution as a first step—regardless of previous offences.
What's truly groundbreaking is the new 'two strikes and you're out' policy. From 6 December 2024, any driver who is found guilty in court of committing a fare-related offence on or after 6 December, on two separate occasions will be disqualified from the point to point transport industry.
This means they can't drive for taxis, Uber, or any other ride service.
The flat rate revolution at Sydney Airport
Perhaps the most passenger-friendly change is the introduction of a $60 flat rate for all taxi trips from Sydney Airport to the CBD. From 3 November, a 12-month trial will introduce a $60 flat fare for all taxi trips from the airport to the CBD.
This change directly addresses the wild inconsistency that has plagued airport transfers. The NSW Point to Point Commission has received frequent complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of first-time arrivals to Sydney, with hotel concierges livid to find out their guests have been slugged wildly-overpriced fares of more than $150 for the 13-kilometre trip.
Under the new scheme, the $60 price tag is all-inclusive. Passengers will not have to worry about extra tolls or airport surcharges being tacked on once the meter stops.
This is crucial for seniors who may not be familiar with Sydney's toll road system or additional airport fees.
What you need to know about taxi fares
- First-time overcharging offences now carry $1000 fines
- Court convictions can result in $2000+ penalties
- Two convictions = permanent ban from all ride services
- Sydney Airport to CBD is now a flat $60 (trial until November 2026)
- Over 2,500 passengers have received refunds for overcharging
Your rights and how to protect yourself
The good news for passengers is that enforcement is working. Over the last two years, the Commissioner's Inspectors have issued around 900 fines to rogue drivers, with both covert, plain clothes operations and highly visible compliance activities under these new policies.
More than 2500 passengers have already received refunds after being overcharged.
Common fare-related offences you should watch for include:
- Overcharging passengers
- Refusing a fare, particularly for short trips
- Demanding or negotiating a fare that differs from the meter reading
- Adding unauthorized surcharges
- Using the maxi-taxi tariff for fewer than five passengers
Report taxi fare problems immediately
If you suspect you've been overcharged, call the Taxi Fare Hotline on 1800 500 410
This number should be clearly displayed in all NSW taxis
The hotline has helped secure refunds for over 2,500 passengers since 2022
The Commissioner's team takes complaints seriously and has the power to investigate and prosecute. The passenger reported the overcharge to the Commissioner's Taxi Fare Hotline which prompted an investigation by the Commissioner's compliance team.
Why this matters for you
For many seniors, taxis remain an essential service, particularly for medical appointments, shopping trips, and airport transfers when public transport isn't suitable. The reliability and door-to-door service of taxis can be invaluable, but only when the pricing is fair and transparent.
An Uber from Sydney Airport to the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD (a 12 km trip) can cost as little as $43. The new $60 flat rate puts taxi fares in a more competitive range while providing the certainty that many passengers prefer.
The industry recognises that its reputation depends on weeding out the minority of dishonest operators. The NSW Taxi Council acknowledges the commitment and support of key Stakeholders, including Sydney Airport, the NSW Government, together with the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner in working with Industry to address the issues around Drivers overcharging passengers.
Additional support for passengers
Sydney Airport has also introduced taxi concierge services to help passengers, particularly those who might need extra assistance. The program commenced on Monday, 30 June 2025, with Concierge staff operating at International Terminal 1 and Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 to assist with connecting passengers with Taxis, as well as providing support with luggage, mobility/accessibility and information services.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The NSW taxi industry's market share at Sydney Airport dropped from 57 per cent to just 27 per cent between 2018 and 2024, largely due to competition from rideshare services and fare exploitation concerns.
Looking ahead, the taxi industry hopes these measures will restore confidence. If the trial proves successful, the NSW Taxi Council says it would like to see flat fares extended to other common routes, giving travellers greater confidence and making taxis a more appealing option once again.
What This Means For You
The message from authorities is clear: the vast majority of taxi drivers provide honest, professional service, but those who choose to exploit passengers will face serious consequences. The Point to Point Transport Commissioner reiterated that drivers who continue to commit fare-related offences, such as failing to use the meter, overcharging or refusing passengers travelling a short distance, will face serious consequences.
Have you experienced issues with taxi fares in NSW, or have you noticed improvements in service recently? Share your experiences in the comments below—your insights could help other members avoid problems or find the best transport options for their needs.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/fine-cabbies-shock-188-ripoff-011528595.html
Court result: Driver fined $2,000 for fare-related offences | Point to Point
Cited text: As a result of a passenger complaint to the Taxi Fare Hotline, a driver was convicted and fined by the court after pleading guilty to failing to use t...
Excerpt: The driver responsible for that shocking overcharge was later fined $2000 by the court after pleading guilty to failing to use the meter and overcharging, following a complaint to the Taxi Fare Hotline.
https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/news/court-result-driver-fined-2000-for-fare-related-offences
Improved database to stop rogue taxi drivers ripping passengers off | NSW Government
Cited text: The Government also increased the fine for drivers caught overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares to $1000 from $300 in July 2023, with 10...
Excerpt: the Government increased the fine for drivers caught overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares to $1000 from $300 in July 2023, with 1000 fines issued since November 2022.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...top-rogue-taxi-drivers-ripping-passengers-off
NSW Government Crackdown on Dodgy Taxi Drivers
Cited text: For a first offence, drivers will typically receive a $1,000 penalty notice.
Excerpt: For a first offence, drivers will typically receive a $1,000 penalty notice.
https://www.rydo.com.au/rydo-blog/nsw-government-crackdown-on-dodgy-taxi-drivers/
New disqualifying offences for taxi drivers | Point to Point
Cited text: In cases where the offence is serious or significant, the Commissioner will consider prosecution as a first step—regardless of previous offences.
Excerpt: in cases where the offence is serious or significant, the Commissioner will consider prosecution as a first step—regardless of previous offences.
https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/news/new-disqualifying-offences-for-taxi-drivers
New disqualifying offences for taxi drivers | Point to Point
Cited text: From 6 December 2024, any driver who is found guilty in court of committing a fare-related offence on or after 6 December, on two separate occasions w...
Excerpt: From 6 December 2024, any driver who is found guilty in court of committing a fare-related offence on or after 6 December, on two separate occasions will be disqualified from the point to point transport industry.
https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/news/new-disqualifying-offences-for-taxi-drivers
Capped cab fare from Sydney Airport to give visitors a fair go | NSW Government
Cited text: A $60 fixed fare from the airport to the CBD will begin with a 12-month trial from 3 November.
Excerpt: A $60 fixed fare from the airport to the CBD will begin with a 12-month trial from 3 November.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...rom-sydney-airport-to-give-visitors-a-fair-go
Travellers get relief as Sydney Airport introduces flat-rate taxi fare—Australian Traveller
Cited text: From 3 November, a 12-month trial will introduce a $60 flat fare for all taxi trips from the airport to the CBD.
Excerpt: From 3 November, a 12-month trial will introduce a $60 flat fare for all taxi trips from the airport to the CBD.
https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/sydney/sydney-airport-introduces-flat-rate-taxi-fares/
Capped cab fare from Sydney Airport to give visitors a fair go | NSW Government
Cited text: The NSW Point to Point Commission has received frequent complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of first-time arrivals to Sydney, with hotel conci...
Excerpt: The NSW Point to Point Commission has received frequent complaints of taxi drivers taking advantage of first-time arrivals to Sydney, with hotel concierges livid to find out their guests have been slugged wildy-overpriced fares of more…
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-...rom-sydney-airport-to-give-visitors-a-fair-go
Travellers get relief as Sydney Airport introduces flat-rate taxi fare—Australian Traveller
Cited text: Under the new scheme, the $60 price tag is all-inclusive. Passengers will not have to worry about extra tolls or airport surcharges being tacked on on...
Excerpt: Under the new scheme, the $60 price tag is all-inclusive. Passengers will not have to worry about extra tolls or airport surcharges being tacked on once the meter stops.
https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/sydney/sydney-airport-introduces-flat-rate-taxi-fares/
It’s two strikes and you’re out for rogue taxi drivers | NSW Government
Cited text: Over the last two years, the Commissioner’s Inspectors have issued around 900 fines to rogue drivers, with both covert, plain clothes operations and h...
Excerpt: Over the last two years, the Commissioner's Inspectors have issued around 900 fines to rogue drivers, with both covert, plain clothes operations and highly visible compliance activities under these new policies.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/its-two-strikes-and-youre-out-for-rogue-taxi-drivers
It’s two strikes and you’re out for rogue taxi drivers | NSW Government
Cited text: More than 2500 passengers have already received refunds after being overcharged.
Excerpt: More than 2500 passengers have already received refunds after being overcharged.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/its-two-strikes-and-youre-out-for-rogue-taxi-drivers
NSW Government Crackdown on Dodgy Taxi Drivers
Cited text: Overcharging passengers. Refusing a fare, particularly for short trips. Demanding or negotiating a fare that differs from the meter reading. Adding un...
Excerpt: Overcharging passengers. Refusing a fare, particularly for short trips.
https://www.rydo.com.au/rydo-blog/nsw-government-crackdown-on-dodgy-taxi-drivers/
Court result: Driver fined $2,000 for fare-related offences | Point to Point
Cited text: The passenger reported the overcharge to the Commissioner’s Taxi Fare Hotline which prompted an investigation by the Commissioner’s compliance team.
Excerpt: The passenger reported the overcharge to the Commissioner's Taxi Fare Hotline which prompted an investigation by the Commissioner's compliance team.
https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/news/court-result-driver-fined-2000-for-fare-related-offences
Sydney Airport looks to lock in a fair go with NYC-style trial of flat-rate taxi fare into city | PS News
Cited text: An Uber from Sydney Airport to the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD (a 12 km trip) can cost as little as $43.
Excerpt: An Uber from Sydney Airport to the Queen Victoria Building in the CBD (a 12 km trip) can cost as little as $43.
https://psnews.com.au/sydney-airpor...rial-of-flat-rate-taxi-fare-into-city/166234/
Become a Taxi Driver | NSW Taxi Council | Australia
Cited text: The NSW Taxi Council acknowledges the commitment and support of key Stakeholders, including Sydney Airport, the NSW Government, together with the NSW ...
Excerpt: The NSW Taxi Council acknowledges the commitment and support of key Stakeholders, including Sydney Airport, the NSW Government, together with the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner in working with Industry to address the issues…
Become a Taxi Driver | NSW Taxi Council | Australia
Cited text: The program commenced on Monday, 30 June 2025, with Concierge staff operating at International Terminal 1 and Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 to assist wit...
Excerpt: The program commenced on Monday, 30 June 2025, with Concierge staff operating at International Terminal 1 and Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 to assist with connecting passengers with Taxis, as well as providing support with luggage,…
Travellers get relief as Sydney Airport introduces flat-rate taxi fare—Australian Traveller
Cited text: If the trial proves successful, the NSW Taxi Council says it would like to see flat fares extended to other common routes, giving travellers greater c...
Excerpt: If the trial proves successful, the NSW Taxi Council says it would like to see flat fares extended to other common routes, giving travellers greater confidence and making taxis a more appealing option once again.
https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/sydney/sydney-airport-introduces-flat-rate-taxi-fares/
Court result: Driver fined $2,000 for fare-related offences | Point to Point
Cited text: The Point to Point Transport Commissioner reiterated that drivers who continue to commit fare-related offences, such as failing to use the meter, over...
Excerpt: The Point to Point Transport Commissioner reiterated that drivers who continue to commit fare-related offences, such as failing to use the meter, overcharging or refusing passengers travelling a short distance, will face serious…
https://www.pointtopoint.nsw.gov.au/news/court-result-driver-fined-2000-for-fare-related-offences
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