Taxi Council of Queensland Inc.
Media Release
August 9, 2017

The latest alleged sexual assault involving an Uber driver in Brisbane provides further cause for the State Government to rethink its position on the safety of booked hire services, according to the Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ).

TCQ CEO Blair Davies said the evidence keeps mounting for the Government to mandate security cameras in booked hire vehicles.

“The proof is compelling; these services are not as safe as the Government thought. This is sadly becoming just too common an event in Brisbane and it’s also likely to be a problem elsewhere in the state.

“How many more young female victims do there need to be before this Government does something?”

Sexual assault (rape) charges were recently laid against two other Uber drivers in Brisbane, and Mr Davies has questioned whether these alleged incidents would have happened if security cameras were in those vehicles.

He said while booked hire drivers must have criminal background checks like taxi drivers, these checks only provide half of the solution.

“Checks stop convicted predators driving taxis and booked hire vehicles, but what about predators who have never been caught?

“If a sexual predator hasn’t been caught or charged with an offence, they won’t be red flagged. Security cameras complement criminal history checks and provide the extra level of protection needed to deter anyone without a record using a taxi or booked hire vehicle for criminal behaviour.

“Since 2005, taxi passengers and drivers have been safer because of security cameras being mandatory in Queensland taxis. It’s now time for the Government to step in and make them mandatory in booked hire vehicles as well.”
ENDS

Taxi Council of Queensland Inc.
Media Release
July 11, 2017

Taxi travel information for State of Origin fans

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) is urging State of Origin fans to be patient when catching cabs tonight due to the expected exceptional demand for taxis for the blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

In anticipation of a capacity crowd to cheer on the Maroons, a secure taxi rank will operate on Castlemaine Street outside the YMCA from 9:30pm-12:30am.

After the game, customers booking taxis by phone or via the Yellow or Black & White Cabs smartphone apps should arrange to be picked up away from the Stadium due to limited access caused by traffic congestion on Milton Road, Castlemaine Street and Caxton Street.

Taxis will be available at the rank outside Hotel LA on Petrie Terrace when the street is reopened to traffic.

There will be a dedicated disabled pick-up/drop off zone near the Wally Lewis statue in the forecourt on Given Terrace/Caxton Street. TCQ reminds customers no abled passengers will be picked up from disabled zones.

Fans continuing their post-match celebrations will be able to catch taxis at a secure rank outside the Treasury Building in George Street.
ENDS

Media Release
June 5, 2017

On world environment day today, Queensland can legitimately claim to being home to the greenest taxi fleet in the world.

Hybrid vehicles now make up 80 per cent of taxis on Queensland roads, which is contributing to a decline in the amount of pollutants being emitted into the environment.

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said by increasing the number of hybrid cabs, the industry is greatly reducing its carbon footprint.

“The hybrid fleet, including Prius, Camry and eco-diesel maxi cabs, is producing 80,000 tons less carbon,” he said.

“One of the big advantages of a hybrid car over a petrol-powered vehicle is that it runs cleaner and has better fuel economy, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

Mr Wash said the newer vehicles also have more legroom, making for a more comfortable ride for customers.

“Another benefit of hybrid taxis is that they offer a quieter ride, so not only are we doing the right thing by the environment, but we are also providing a better service for our customers.

“It’s just another example of how the Queensland taxi industry is the gold standard of taxi services anywhere in the world.”
ENDS

Media Release
May 25, 2017

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Queensland’s peak taxi body has declared that the fight to protect small businesses and ensure customers of personalised transport are protected will be an election issue, despite yesterday’s legislation passed by State Parliament.

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) CEO Benjamin Wash said the State Government had yet again proven its lack of knowledge and foresight and has let down over 16,000 small business operators, millions of Queenslanders and vulnerable sectors like the disabled community.

Calling it “bad policy for Queensland”, he said that an uneven playing field in the personalised transport space is now enshrined in law.

“The Government has also turned its back on people in wheelchairs and on minimum working conditions for drivers in the personalised transport sector.”

He said the message to small business is clear; “Cut corners in order to cut costs so that consumers can save a buck at the expense of workers and the most vulnerable in the community.”

“I hope the Premier and Government are happy that they have compromised the wellbeing and safety of Queenslanders by ensuring booked hire services are under no obligation to implement any safety and service standards.

However he said despite the setback, the fight will go on, pledging to ensure that “every MP who does not support good legislation and common sense transport at the next election will have a fight on their hands”.

TCQ members have funded the council to target every seat in Queensland at the next state election.

“We will move heaven and earth to ensure that in the lead up to the election, every Queenslander knows how this government has treated small business and that no industry is safe.

“Legislation can be changed and we will fight until the right legislation is passed. Do not underestimate our resolve!”
ENDS