Taxi driver accused of outrageous tactic that may break the law - find out what happened
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Getting around is difficult when you can't drive and have to rely on public transport. Thankfully, many Australian cities have a variety of travel services that cater to those who can't or don't want to drive.
Whether you’re after an Uber, a train, a bus, or even a taxi, we are fortunate to be able to access a number of different transportation options.
However, it does seem that some taxi drivers can push their passengers pretty hard...
Everyone has had their share of unsavoury experiences while riding in a taxi but, one Sydneysider’s ride took the cake when he realised the taxi driver had allegedly started his meter at an eye-watering $33.15 at the domestic airport.
The man took to Reddit to air his frustration over the incident, detailing how he quickly realised the meter was hidden and when he checked, the starting fare was set to the high amount.
'Taxi driver’s meter was hidden at Sydney Domestic when checked it the starting fare was $33.15,' he wrote in a post.
He also included a photo of the taxi from behind, displaying his location – the man was only metres away from the airport terminal!
The post received over 2,200 likes, with hundreds of users sharing their experiences with the same claim, labelling the driver to be ‘dodgy’.
One user wrote that the driver attempted to force a ‘prepayment’ of a larger amount than the total would be.
'Absolute knob,' they added.
Another user shared: 'I had a cab driver put in a randomly higher number into the eftpos machine and then makeup that the toll didn’t include the airport tariffs etc automatically.'
The user also added that they made an official complaint through a taxi website but it went nowhere.
Meanwhile, the original poster claimed that he did not confront the driver and got out of the car without any commotion, prompting some members to suggest that he should report the incident instead.
One person advised: 'You should still report it if you have a license plate or driver’s information. There have been fraud schemes by drivers and owners, and I’m sure many are ongoing.'
A former taxi driver also commented on the situation, saying that the cabbie’s move was illegal.
'I spent almost 4 years driving a taxi. This sh*t is illegal, on both state and national legislation,' said the user.
'The maximum penalty for a driver doing this is $50,000 and up to 5 years jail time. Maximum penalty differs by state, but all public transportation legislation is based off the same Federal bill.'
Regulations and Legislation Regarding Taxi Fares in Australia
Within Australia, Transport NSW regulates fare requirements for taxi services in urban areas. According to the Australian National Transport Commission, the maximum fare for a taxi ride in an urban area has a hiring charge of $3.60.
During peak hours – which is from 10 pm to 6 am on Fridays, Saturdays and evenings prior to public holidays – there is an additional $2.50 on top of the hire charge.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also ensures that drivers do not charge more than the maximum charges enforced by the relevant state or detention. All drivers are required to provide customers with a receipt that has the taxi fare, any tolls and any extras clearly itemised.
It is also illegal for drivers to charge higher than the Taxi Council-set fares, which vary from state to state. Customers must also be aware of extra 'hotel fees' that some drivers may attempt to charge at night when the Transport NSW regulations permit only a certain amount for the hire fee and the peak hour fee.
By understanding the regulations and legislation regarding taxi fares in Australia, passengers can feel safe and secure when taking a cab, knowing that they are not being overcharged or taken advantage of by unscrupulous drivers.
So, there you have it, folks! This story serves as an unpleasant reminder to always double-check the taxi fare before you take your ride.
Have you ever had an unexpected or outrageous experience with a taxi driver? Share your story with us in the comments section below.
Whether you’re after an Uber, a train, a bus, or even a taxi, we are fortunate to be able to access a number of different transportation options.
However, it does seem that some taxi drivers can push their passengers pretty hard...
Everyone has had their share of unsavoury experiences while riding in a taxi but, one Sydneysider’s ride took the cake when he realised the taxi driver had allegedly started his meter at an eye-watering $33.15 at the domestic airport.
The man took to Reddit to air his frustration over the incident, detailing how he quickly realised the meter was hidden and when he checked, the starting fare was set to the high amount.
'Taxi driver’s meter was hidden at Sydney Domestic when checked it the starting fare was $33.15,' he wrote in a post.
He also included a photo of the taxi from behind, displaying his location – the man was only metres away from the airport terminal!
The post received over 2,200 likes, with hundreds of users sharing their experiences with the same claim, labelling the driver to be ‘dodgy’.
One user wrote that the driver attempted to force a ‘prepayment’ of a larger amount than the total would be.
'Absolute knob,' they added.
Another user shared: 'I had a cab driver put in a randomly higher number into the eftpos machine and then makeup that the toll didn’t include the airport tariffs etc automatically.'
The user also added that they made an official complaint through a taxi website but it went nowhere.
Meanwhile, the original poster claimed that he did not confront the driver and got out of the car without any commotion, prompting some members to suggest that he should report the incident instead.
One person advised: 'You should still report it if you have a license plate or driver’s information. There have been fraud schemes by drivers and owners, and I’m sure many are ongoing.'
A former taxi driver also commented on the situation, saying that the cabbie’s move was illegal.
'I spent almost 4 years driving a taxi. This sh*t is illegal, on both state and national legislation,' said the user.
'The maximum penalty for a driver doing this is $50,000 and up to 5 years jail time. Maximum penalty differs by state, but all public transportation legislation is based off the same Federal bill.'
Regulations and Legislation Regarding Taxi Fares in Australia
Within Australia, Transport NSW regulates fare requirements for taxi services in urban areas. According to the Australian National Transport Commission, the maximum fare for a taxi ride in an urban area has a hiring charge of $3.60.
During peak hours – which is from 10 pm to 6 am on Fridays, Saturdays and evenings prior to public holidays – there is an additional $2.50 on top of the hire charge.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also ensures that drivers do not charge more than the maximum charges enforced by the relevant state or detention. All drivers are required to provide customers with a receipt that has the taxi fare, any tolls and any extras clearly itemised.
It is also illegal for drivers to charge higher than the Taxi Council-set fares, which vary from state to state. Customers must also be aware of extra 'hotel fees' that some drivers may attempt to charge at night when the Transport NSW regulations permit only a certain amount for the hire fee and the peak hour fee.
By understanding the regulations and legislation regarding taxi fares in Australia, passengers can feel safe and secure when taking a cab, knowing that they are not being overcharged or taken advantage of by unscrupulous drivers.
Key Takeaways
- A Sydneysider was appalled to discover that a taxi driver had allegedly started his meter at an eye-watering $33.15 when he took a cab at the domestic airport.
- The maximum fares for urban areas in Sydney have a hiring charge of $3.60, with an additional $2.50 on peak times (10 pm to 6 am on Fridays, Saturdays and evenings prior to public holidays).
- Many took to social media to voice their frustrations, with some emphasising the importance of reporting the incident as the maximum penalty for a driver doing this is $50,000 and up to 5 years of jail time.
So, there you have it, folks! This story serves as an unpleasant reminder to always double-check the taxi fare before you take your ride.
Have you ever had an unexpected or outrageous experience with a taxi driver? Share your story with us in the comments section below.