Media release
February 08, 2019 

Last on the road and the first back on, taxis have rallied together to support the residents of Townsville in their effort to recover from the devastating floods. The Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) is proud of the industry’s incredible service it is providing to the community before, during and now as the water recedes.

TCQ CEO Blair Davies has praised Townsville taxis for their unending effort in ensuring locals could travel safely.

“In regional areas across Queensland, there are lots of people who rely on taxis as an essential part of their daily lives. Our number one priority has always been passenger safety and our cabbies can be relied on to pitch in and help out during times of crisis, ensuring everyone gets to where they need to be,” he said.

“Taxis were the last transport service to stop in the lead up to the flood closures and the first to restart after roads opened. As the rain and flooding abate, our cabbies have been quick to get back on the road to ensure their passengers get to their destination safely.”

General Manager of Townsville Taxis, Angela Rheeders, says there are numerous unsung heroes in the community who have gone above and beyond to assist in the town’s recovery.

“Even though our drivers, admin staff and operators are all preoccupied with the impacts to their own lives, we’ve had employees happily give up their time to come into work to make sure our community is able to get to where they need to be,” Ms Rheeders said.

“Our call centre operators were wading through knee deep water to get into the building to clean up and make sure we can book jobs for our drivers to help transport people around – that’s the kind of commitment everyone can expect from our industry.

“Our drivers worked right up until the airport and roads were closed to ensure travellers got out safely. Every little bit helps during challenging times like these and when taxis are called on to provide their service, we answer.”

Townsville Taxis have even sponsored free trips for community members who can’t afford the trip to the evacuation centres.

“Our drivers have gone above and beyond including getting family pets and children to safety,” Ms Rheeders continued.

“One of our drivers picked up a passenger with sight impairment from the outer suburbs, taking him to the bank and even stayed with him the entire journey to make sure he got what he needed done and was able to get home safely. There are so many unsung heroes in our town, and in many ways this flood has brought our community closer together.”

Mr Davies believes the invaluable connection between taxis and their local communities is one that should not be taken for granted.

“Queensland’s taxi service rates amongst the best in the world and to see this in action during times when our communities are facing crisis, is one of the many reasons why I encourage everyone to support our great drivers and operators – helping to keep local taxi businesses viable means they will still be around when you need them the most,” said Mr Davies. “Queensland taxis provide absolutely crucial transport services in regional Queensland, and our industry will continue to raise our hands to support and help wherever we’re needed.”

ENDS

Media release
January 24, 2019 

The Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) is reminding party goers to grab a cab over the Australia Day long weekend to stay safe and keep Australian dollars in Australia rather than heading overseas.

TCQ CEO Blair Davies is reminding consumers to think about where their money goes this Australia Day because when they travel by taxi, all of the fare stays in Australia. This is unlike the big booked-hire platforms where the fare goes directly overseas, often to low tax countries, and only a portion returns.

“Grabbing a cab on Australia Day is good for the economy because it keeps our dollars circulating in the local economy. It is good for the community’s hip pocket,” he said

Mr Davies also warned that prices for booked-hire services are all but guaranteed to sky rocket this public holiday and so consumers should prepare themselves for the inevitable bill shock that comes with surge pricing.

“Public holidays will often see booked hire vehicles’ price surcharging, meaning rides end up costing passengers hundreds of dollars more than the normal fare,” he said.

“We do not want to see revelers losing out to opportunistic price gouging because they’ve had a few drinks and their only concern is getting from point A to point B. Nothing is more un-Australian than taking advantage of passengers wanting to travel during popular times.”

Mr Davies said taxis are standing by to ensure passengers can get to where they need to be.

“Taking a taxi allows revellers to enjoy their festivities without worry about being or finding a designated driver,” he continued. “Queensland taxi drivers will be giving up their own celebrations to be out in force at all hours of the day and night over the Australia Day weekend, helping everyone to get around safely, and at the normal taxi rates.”

“Passenger and driver safety is always our industry’s number one priority. Our greatest concern this Australia Day is that with no one effectively policing the zero-blood alcohol level in booked-hire drivers, there is no way of knowing where the likes of an Uber driver has been and what they’ve consumed prior to jumping in their car and turning the app on,” he continued.

“There’s simply no reason for anyone in our community to be putting their lives or the lives of other road users at risk because they’ve enjoyed one drink too many.

“Cabbies simply want to get Aussies to and from their celebrations safely. Taxi drivers are ready and waiting to help customers get to and from their celebrations and we encourage everyone to make safety a priority this Australia Day by letting Queensland cabbies do the driving,” concluded Mr Davies.

ENDS

Media release
January 16, 2019

Recent media reports of booked-hire drivers complaining they are forced to break the law and use their mobile phones while driving to make a living has riled the taxi industry, believing drivers are simply wanting to wash their hands of responsibility.

The Taxi of Council Queensland (TCQ) says drivers who are clearly breaking the law should be held accountable when the decision to use mobile phones is in their hands.

TCQ CEO, Blair Davies said it is illegal for any driver to use mobile devices by hand while the vehicle is in motion or stationary with the engine on, yet 75 per cent of Queensland drivers admit to doing so.[1]

”It’s about time as a community that we stop making excuses for smartphone addiction and misbehaviour.  They are fantastic technology but they need to be serving us, not us serving them,” said Mr Davies.

“It is never okay to put yourself or someone else at risk because you want to pay attention to your mobile phone rather than give full and undivided attention to driving your vehicle. It’s unsafe and unjustifiable, so every driver who gets caught using their phone deserves the fine of $391 and three demerit points,” he said.

“If you are running late to catch a plane and there is traffic in the way, it’s not safe or acceptable to drive down the footpath or median strip to get around it. It’s also not acceptable to try and make up time by speeding. It’s the same thing for booked-hire drivers wanting to use their smartphone to accept a $5 or $10 ride booking while driving, it’s not safe or acceptable.

“The notion that booked-hire drivers ‘need’ to be allowed to use their smartphones is ridiculous. They are not a special case. If they drive distracted, somewhere, sometime, they are going to crash into people and property causing serious harm unnecessarily. Other road users should not be put at risk because booked hire drivers think they deserve a free pass to use their mobile phones while driving.”

“It’s time that we call out driver distraction from mobile phones for what it is, completely unacceptable and irresponsible risk-taking resulting in needless fatalities or serious injuries. Road rules are in place for a reason and no one is above the law when it comes to passenger and road safety.

“The split-second choice to tap the job, read the message or send a text could mean the difference between life and death. There should be zero tolerance for booked-hire and taxi drivers misusing their mobile phones while driving.”

The taxi industry believes the Government should have foreseen and addressed the problem of distracted driving at the time of approving the Uber business model back in 2016. Booked-hire drivers rely solely on ordinary smartphones to receive jobs, find customers and interact with their platform provider; putting them under significant financial pressure to interact with their phones, much of the time being while they are driving. TCQ believes it was always likely that booked-hire drivers would end up flouting the laws banning the use of mobile phones while driving if strong and effective enforcement was not bundled into the reform package.

Mr Davies said we’re hearing more and more the complaints from Uber drivers about their poor working conditions and the inundation of competition reducing their slice of the pie, to which the taxi industry is empathetic.

“However, we won’t have a bar of complaints by booked-hire drivers that they are being forced to break the law and use their smartphones while driving – the choice has always been in their hands, and they’re choosing to put themselves and everyone around them at risk merely to line their pockets.”

“Booked-hire companies think they’re above the law, but they need to take a good hard look at what’s happening right under their noses. We’ve heard of incidences globally and in our own backyard involving distracted booked-hire drivers, but why is this not a wakeup call? Interacting with mobile phones was never legalised when Uber was appointed the right to operate, and it never will be legalised. Uber needs to make a serious effort to address these very real safety concerns.

“How long do we let these providers mock the law before catastrophe after catastrophe becomes the norm?” Mr Davies questioned.

ENDS

Media release
January 11, 2019 

While there are still many people enjoying a break and taking the opportunity to catch up with family and friends, the Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) wants to share a timely reminder that there is never a need to drink and drive because your nearest taxi won’t be far away.

Especially for those heading into CBD areas for a night out on the town, Queensland has secure taxi ranks available across the State to provide safe places to quick and easily catch a cab when other modes of public transport have stopped running or may only be running inconveniently.

TCQ CEO, Blair Davies says the secure taxi ranks are a smart choice for late-night punters and large crowds looking for trustable transport to get them home safe and sound.

“After an enjoyable night out, the last thing you want to be doing is standing by the side of the road trying to read obscure car number plates in order to work out which one is supposed to be your ride. By way of comparison, the secure taxi ranks are an easy place to head to and all the waiting taxis will be easily identifiable and ready to go,” Mr Davies said.

“The secure ranks are a safe place for taxi customers because they are protected by CCTV cameras, extra lighting and fully qualified security guards. The secure ranks also have experienced rank marshals in attendance to assist passengers with taxi related questions about fares and the best route to their destination.”

All of the official secure taxi ranks are manned by experienced taxi marshals and qualified security guards to ensure everyone joining the queue gets served in an orderly fashion and if anyone has to wait awhile, they can do so with confidence that they are in a safe place.

“Be it large crowds dispersing from entertainment precincts, venues or events or individuals and couples simply requiring a lift home, everybody can trust our rank marshals and guards will be there to help keep them safe. The rank marshals are also in constant contact with taxi company call centres and therefore can get messages to the whole fleet whenever taxis are needed in a hurry at a particular rank.”

Mr Davies says the secure taxi ranks are also designed to ensure Queensland cabbies can continue to feel safe as they go about their business of efficiently transporting members of the community at all hours of the night.

“Our drivers work throughout the night to ensure everyone has a trusted and reliable means of getting around. Secure ranks help mitigate any potential risk for our cabbies having to pick up passengers in dark or dangerous areas,” he continued.

“Our rank marshals can also help drivers by checking that passengers are fit for travel. This helps minimise drivers having to deal with any unruly or misbehaving passengers during the journey while driving which is a much safer outcome for all concerned.  Taxi drivers just like everyone else, simply want to be able to go to work and return home safely to their families at the end of their shifts.”

Mr Davies praised the Queensland Government’s ongoing investment in the secure taxi ranks program. It is a great example of industry and Government co-operating to produce a huge public benefit for the whole community.

ENDS

Media release
December 21, 2018

The festive season is here and as work winds down for the year and throngs of people make their way to and from holiday festivities, the Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) is encouraging everyone to grab a cab for a convenient and surcharge-free holiday travel.

Revelers can avoid the excessive surcharges of booked hire services, particularly on the public holiday days when prices are all but guaranteed to sky rocket and instead rely on the convenience of taxi’s which remain affordable regardless of the day, event or number of people travelling as a party.

TCQ CEO, Blair Davies says taxis are a safe and reliable option for those needing to rely on professional transportation these holidays.

“At this time of year, booked hire vehicles’ price surcharging can mean rides end up costing passengers hundreds of dollars more than the normal fare, with the platforms hiding behind the old caveat emptor, let the buyer beware,” he said.

“With surcharging by booked-hire platforms more likely to be prevalent over the coming weekend and on the public holiday days, taxis remain the only constant, serving their communities through affordable transport.

“Taxis are a much smarter option with their calibrated taximeters and easily identifiable livery and hail lights. They are also safer because they’re fitted with sophisticated security cameras, monitored duress alarm systems and hard-wired GPS devices.

“Taxis are also a great option for shoppers who are keen to avoid congested carparks when doing their Christmas shopping. Instead of driving around and around and risk getting stuck at the exit for hours, shoppers can rely on taxis to transport them to and from the shops with their gifts for a stress-free experience.

With congested roads and a confusing number of booked hire services cruising for fares in ordinary, unmarked vehicles causing chaos on city roads, taxis are a sensible option for groups and families travelling together.

“We’re expecting the some of the busiest times to be Friday 21 December in the evening with most businesses winding down for the year on this day, as well as Saturday and Sunday, Christmas Eve and of course New Year’s Eve.

“Our cabbies are ready and waiting to help customers get to and from their festivities safely and enjoyably. So take the worry out of how to get there, and just grab a cab as the smart travel option this holiday season,” concluded Mr Davies.

ENDS

Media release
14 December 2018

Claims from the US that Uber is illegally denying its drivers their right to arbitration on issues such as low pay and poor working conditions must be heeded by authorities in Australia, warns the Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ).

A lawsuit being brought by more than 12,000 Uber drivers in California claims that the booked-hire platform is refusing to deal fairly with driver complaints in allowing a backlog of disputes to build up which could take 10 years to clear. This is just the latest in a long line of reports from around the globe of breakdowns in relations between Uber and its drivers.

This allegation of disregard for its drivers’ rights and wellbeing comes as Uber further expands its operations in Australia, having recently rolled out services in regional areas of Queensland. These allegations are something for consumers who may be attracted to cheaper prices to consider because most people will draw a line when cheaper prices involve the exploitation of gullible or vulnerable workers.

Uber requires its drivers in Australia to sign an agreement that stipulates disputes will be resolved by mediation and arbitration in Europe, in Amsterdam, so forfeiting their right to legal action in an Australian court. The lawsuit in the US involves drivers who claim their requests for arbitration of their complaints, including failure to pay minimum wage and driver safety, have been repeatedly and unnecessarily delayed by Uber. If Uber drivers in the US are finding that the arbitration process is not working, it doesn’t bode well for Australian drivers given Uber could require them to travel to Amsterdam.

TCQ CEO, Blair Davies says the Queensland Government has a crucial role to play in protecting the State economy and local job markets in regional communities. He believes greater scrutiny should be applied to companies like Uber and their overseas activities.

“These reports from California are yet another example of the bully-boy tactics which Uber and its like adopt when dealing with drivers when the regulatory environment is found wanting. How many warning signs does the State Government need before it pays heed to the risks which Uber poses to local jobs and the economy?” said Mr Davies.

“While there may be an option to opt-out of the disadvantageous arbitration provisions in the driver agreement, very few drivers would be knowledgeable enough to ask about such a possibility and even less assertive enough to follow through on exercising the option. Unfortunately, it seems that Uber picks and chooses when and how it adheres to its arbitration obligations and so drivers are likely to always receive the short end of the stick when it comes to pay and conditions.

“We’ve heard time and time again of the unsustainable and unfair conditions in which ride-sourcing drivers, such as Uber’s, work. These drivers are increasingly vocalising that they want to be listened to and for action to take place, but it never seems to be a priority.

“Uber shows little concern for the wellbeing of their customers and drivers and we fear as more overseas platforms enter and expand their operations across our State, that it will be gullible and vulnerable Queenslanders signing up as booked-hire drivers who will be the ones being taken for a ride.”

The report estimates at the rate at which Uber is processing the complaints, it will take 10 years for all to be heard, which Mr Davies believes is the company’s way of avoiding resolution of the disputes and the costs associated with the arbitration process.

“Under the agreement it uses with US drivers, Uber must pay $1,500 per driver to the arbitration service provider it has nominated. With 12,500 disgruntled drivers, the arbitration fees alone equate to over $18.75 million, and that’s before consideration of any compensation and restitution amounts payable to genuinely aggrieved drivers.

“The company has long touted that arbitration is a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to allowing its drivers access to the courts. It has been their way to avoid class action lawsuits and pretend an interest in quick and easy settlement operates behind closed doors. However, Uber’s lack of response and action in the US exposes it’s support of arbitration as a facade. It’s nothing more than a way of avoiding responsibility and hiding their lack of concern from public knowledge.

“The TCQ just wants to see a personalised transport sector where everyone gets a fair deal. Booked-hire drivers deserve to have their concerns heard and labours properly valued, and the Queensland Government should look at what’s happening globally now before it becomes too late,” concluded Mr Davies.

ENDS

Media release
07 December 2018 

As Christmas celebrations get underway, Queenslanders are being reminded to grab a cab to get them to and from office parties, family gatherings, shopping trips, and events safely, easily and reliably this festive season.

Queensland cabbies are standing by to ferry passengers to their festive destination of choice at   a time of year when shops, social diaries and carparks get busier than ever. Grabbing a cab can remove much of the hassle involved in trying to get around at this time of year.

Most people will find themselves going to at least one Christmas party in the coming weeks. Taking a taxi to and from those events, allows revellers to enjoy their night without worrying about being or finding a designated driver.

Being picked up and dropped off at the door and back home at the end of the night removes the need to have to walk too far in high heels or that embarrassing Christmas jumper. Plus, there’s no hassle involved in trying to find that elusive last park which isn’t in a different postcode from where you’re actually going!

For extra convenience plan ahead and book a taxi to ensure you don’t have to wait longer than expected. Also, taxis don’t use surge prices during busy periods like booked hire platforms such as Uber, which effectively penalises passengers for wanting to travel at popular times.

Passengers can bring a bit of extra Christmas spirit to their and their taxi driver’s day by being ready for pick-up and courteous, and can expect the same level of festive cheer in return.

TCQ CEO, Blair Davies, encouraged Queenslanders to enjoy as easy a festive season as possible by grabbing a cab.

“This is always an exciting and busy time of year for our customers, and the taxi industry is ready to play its part in giving Queenslanders a great Christmas again in 2018. Taking a taxi allows everyone to fully enjoy their night, with the peace of mind that they’re going to get there and back safely, conveniently and reliably.

“Our drivers will be working throughout the festive period, ensuring people have a trusted and fairly priced means of getting around. We’re proud to play our part in helping Queenslanders enjoy Christmas and drivers look forward to welcoming friendly and courteous passengers into their taxis at this time of year.” said Mr Davies.

Passengers are also urged to heed the Queensland Government’s road safety awareness campaign, All They Want For Christmas Is You, while travelling in taxis. The campaign reminds everyone of the importance of buckling up and wearing their seatbelt while travelling in a vehicle, whether as driver or passenger.

“There is simply no reason for anyone in our community to be putting their lives at risk, or the lives of other road users, because they enjoyed one drink too many or they needed to text someone on their phone. Let’s all make safety a priority this Christmas by letting Queensland cabbies do the driving” added Mr Davies.

Ends