Public Views sought on Taxis and Chauffeur Vehicles
Courtesy and helpfulness
The taxi industry recognises that, as service providers, taxi drivers represent
the public face of the industry. Drivers in the metropolitan area are required
to undertake a course in Taxi driving. This includes an emphasis on the need
for drivers to be courteous and helpful in the performance of their duties.
Accompanying guide dogs or assistance dogs
Guide dogs and assistance dogs for people with a vision or hearing impairment
must be accepted by the taxi driver for carriage within the taxi.
For more information on assistance dogs, visit: http://www.rsb.org.au/
Knowledge and observance of traffic laws
Drivers should know, obey and respect the road rules and other road users.
The Department For Transport Energy and Infrastructure takes seriously
complaints about drivers who may endanger the public by breaking traffic laws.
See Taxi InfoLine.
Acceptance of fares
Once hailed, a driver cannot refuse a fare that is too short or inconvenient.
Knowledge of major routes and destinations
Taxi drivers should know and use major routes. Furthermore, drivers are
expected to know of major destinations within their area. These include
airports, major railway stations, major hotels and sporting and cultural
facilities.
Understanding of and ability to speak English
Drivers are required to meet English literacy comprehension standards which are
set down in the approved Course in Taxi Driving.
Taking the most direct practicable route
Drivers are required to take the most direct, practicable route from when they
pick up a customer to the requested destination, unless otherwise directed by
the customer. The driver can and should briefly consult a street directory when
in doubt.
The driver must take the passenger to the designated place and not to any
alternative destination.
Neatness, cleanliness and tidiness
Passengers have a right to expect taxi drivers to be neat, clean and tidy in
appearance and without offensive body odour.
Wearing of an approved uniform
While on duty, all taxi drivers are required to wear the approved uniform of
the taxi company with which the taxi is affiliated.
Assistance to passengers
A taxi driver is required to provide reasonable assistance with a customer's
luggage. This includes assistance with getting luggage into and out of the
Taxi, taking reasonable care while in the taxi, and immediately reporting any
found items to their depot and the Police.
Taxi drivers are not expected to maneuver luggage when it may cause injury to
them or others. Neither are they expected to carry more luggage than the
reasonable capacity of the storage facilities of the vehicle.
Passengers with special needs (such as people with disabilities, tourists,
children and elderly people) can expect that the driver will act with
understanding and patience.
Sent from Erika's iPad Air
On 30 Sep 2015, at 4:29 PM, David Squirrell <squirrel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Passed onto me for distribution by Alison Kershaw – thanks Alison
BCC to BCA SA & Insight SA bulletin boards
Public Views sought on Taxis and Chauffeur Vehicles
South Australians are being asked for their views and experiences about taxis
and hire car services. The linked survey will form part of submissions to
the panel conducting the Government’s Taxi and Chauffeur Vehicle Review.
The review will assess the regulations governing the industry and will
consider reforms to improve standards and quality, introduce innovation and
increase competition.
Feedback provided through this survey will provide a better understanding of
public opinion about current services and how the industry as a whole could
be improved.
After the six-month review, the panel will report back to the Government with
recommendations for changing the Passenger Transport Act which governs the
industry.
Have your say by 6 November 2015 to provide feedback about the current
industry and services that are provided to the public. Visit dpti.sa.gov.au
for more information.
“This message has been authorised by Julienne TePohe, Chief Corporate
Officer, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.”
Dr David Squirrell
Blind Citizens Australia (Adelaide Branch) President
Access & Social Inclusion Plan (SA Govt) Committee
BCA National Policy Development Committee
