Media Statement

The following is attributed to Benjamin Wash, CEO Taxi Council Queensland

Taxi Council welcomes new Transport Minister Jackie Trad

Taxi Council Queensland congratulates new Transport Minister Jackie Trad on her appointment and we look forward to a strong relationship with the new Palaszczuk Government.

I found Jackie to be responsive to the needs of our industry as opposition transport spokesperson and I am confident that the new Labor Government recognises the important role played by the taxi industry in Queensland.

The state’s taxi industry is unique in that we move over one hundred million people each year, yet are fully privatised with no government subsidies.

This highlights the importance of supporting the tens of thousands of small business people who own, operate and drive taxis, particularly by ensuring that anyone who seeks to start a taxi service competes on a level playing field and meets regulations that protect customers.

We welcome Labor’s strong pre-election commitment to uphold the law, bring a new resolve to enforcing the cease and desist orders that have been issued to illegal ride-hailing apps, and prioritise public safety.

Taxi Council of Queensland Inc.
Benjamin Wash, CEO

8 December 2014

Media Release

Taxi Council call for QLD Govt to step up illegal taxi enforcement after alleged Uber rape

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has called on the Queensland Government to ramp up enforcement on illegal taxi drivers using rideshare apps, after another alleged rape of a girl in India on Friday by an Uber driver.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the industry’s frustration was growing when taxi drivers see illegal operators picking up passengers “right in front of them”.

“We are asking a very legitimate question that the Government needs to answer: Why do these services continue to operate when the Government has ordered them to stop?”

Fearing that drivers would take the law into their own hands if police and the Government don’t act quickly, Mr Wash said no company should be allowed to “buy” exemption from the law, especially when that exemption allows them to profit from jeopardising public safety.

“Uber is clearly so cashed up that it considers it cheaper to pay the fines than meet the regulations, however what message does that send to all other Queenslanders who abide by the law?”

He said the taxi industry, which meets Government safety regulations at considerable costs, has a right to demand that anyone operating taxi services should meet those same standards.

“Taxis have security cameras and are GPS monitored continually. Ridesharing cars are private cars with no security measures. If the driver turns off his phone no one will know where you are.”

He said the industry’s concern has nothing to do with being anti-competition or anti-technology.

“That’s a lie propagated by illegal rideshare apps like Uber to hide the fact that they put profits before the protection of customers.

“We welcome competition and most taxi companies have apps as good as – if not better than – illegal operators, however competition cannot be at the expense of customer safety.

“Uber can afford to meet regulations – they simply refuse to do so. Until they do, we expect the Government to stop them from operating.”

Over the weekend, taxi driver Damien Norberry attempted a citizen’s arrest of an Uber driver
The stoush between the Taxi Council of Queensland and Uber has been brewing since the app made its debut in Brisbane in April this year.
Uber is an app you can download on your phone that allows you to request a stranger to come and pick you up in a private car and take you to your location.

Once the ride is over the fare is automatically deducted from your credit card.

Uber says it provides “Brisbane’s best way to request a safe, reliable, and affordable ride within minutes”.

The Taxi Council Queensland says the app exploits uninsured drivers and exposes the public to risk.

Norberry says he followed the Uber driver and attempted to preform a citizen’s arrest after loosing a passenger to the rival company.

However the the arrest did not turn out as planned, listen to the full interview here.

Benjamin Wash the is Chief Executive of the Taxi Council Queensland says Uber does not have the same safety requirements as taxi’s such as camera’s, built in GPS tracking and safety inspections.

Cabbie attempts citizen’s arrest in war with Uber drivers Courier Mail

The controversy around ridesharing apps like Uber isn’t simply black and white.

The Taxi Council of Queensland has condemned the service claiming it isn’t as safe as traditional taxi providers.

But Uber says, “every Uber partner in Queensland has a government issued Driver Authorisation card”.

Taxi providers also say ridesharing apps are costing people jobs while Uber says it’s helping employ more people.

To get to the bottom of sides of the argument Steve spoke to CEO of the Taxi Council of Queensland Benjamin Wash, taxi licence owner John Rahilly and lecturer at the University of Sydney Dr Jonathon Hutchinson.

ABC Brisbane Morning with Steve Austin – The Pros and Cons of Ridesharing App Uber

There have been many concerns around Brisbane about the upcoming G20.

Fresh off the Lord Mayor’s announcement of free parking in CBD during the G20, rumours have been circulating about the number of taxis available during the summit.

Steve Austin spoke with Benjamin Wash, CEO of Taxi Council Queensland to clarify just how many taxis Brisbane residents can expect during this time.

ABC 612 – Are you planning on catching a taxi during the G20?

4BC Brisbane

Uber draws ire as it tries to capture taxi and limousine market share Courier Mail