Navigating the bustling streets of Australia's cities can be a challenge, and taxis have long been a trusted mode of transportation for many seniors.

They offer a personal touch, a sense of security, and the convenience of door-to-door service.

However, as one couple recently discovered, not all taxi rides are smooth sailing.


Scott Hamilton and his wife Sarah's experience is a cautionary tale for all of us who rely on taxis for our transportation needs.

The couple, who had just landed in Brisbane and were looking forward to a relaxing two-night cruise back to Sydney, were met with an unwelcome surprise when they were grossly overcharged for a short taxi ride from the airport to the cruise terminal in Pinkenba.


Hamilton, already wary from past experiences with taxi overcharges in Sydney, had his guard up.

In a move that would later prove to be incredibly savvy, he decided to record the 11-kilometre journey on his phone secretly.

This decision would not only protect him and his wife but also serve as a stark warning to others who might fall victim to similar scams.


The recording, which Hamilton shared with A Current Affair, revealed the taxi driver's attempt to obscure the meter and hide the fare amount on the EFTPOS machine when payment was due.

The fare came to a shocking $59, double the amount quoted on the Black and White Cabs' website for the same trip.

Confronting the driver with the evidence, Hamilton refused to be taken advantage of.

'You're not ripping me off; I've been videoing you the entire time,' he asserted.

The video showed that the meter had been running for 39 minutes, despite them only being in the car for 17 minutes.

'I'm videoing this because I'm going to call the police on you because I knew this is what you'd do to me when I asked you about the meter,' he said.

'I have been in your cab for 17 minutes, I've been recording the whole time.'


The managing director of Black and White Cabs, Greg Webb, later confirmed that the driver had admitted to deliberately overcharging the couple.

The company promised a refund for Hamilton and assured him that the driver would face compliance measures.

This incident highlights the importance of being vigilant when using taxi services.

In Queensland, as in many other places, there are regulations in place to protect passengers from being overcharged.

Taxi drivers are required to activate the meter at the start of the journey to calculate the maximum payable fare, as set by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.


Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, offers some valuable advice for those who suspect they've been overcharged:

If you're considering a rideshare service, it could be a safer and cheaper alternative, but watch out for surge pricing.

If the fare is higher than expected, immediately discuss it with the driver.

Credit card payments can offer added protection, so ensure the amount on the terminal matches the meter and request a receipt.

If you can't resolve the issue with the taxi company, you can file a complaint with Fair Trading NSW or the relevant state authority.

If the taxi is a member of the Australian Taxi Industry Association, it may help. If all else fails, disputing the charge with your credit card company may be necessary.


Have you ever experienced an overcharge during a taxi ride? How did you handle the situation? Do you think rideshare services are a better alternative to traditional taxis, or do you still prefer taxis for certain reasons? Let us know in the comments below.