10/7/2015

​Taxi Council QLD says breakdown of law and order may incite lawlessness

Queensland’s Taxi Council has outlined their fear that rogue individuals may take the law into their own hands if illegal taxi services are allowed to continue operating.

Taxi Council Queensland CEO Benjamin Wash said he doesn’t condone any sort of physical assault.

“Taxi drivers have been victims of physical assault so we are the first to stand against violence, and we want to see any perpetrator arrested and charged,” he said.

However he pointed out that there is no evidence at this stage that anyone in the taxi industry has assaulted anyone, and called uber’s comments that tried to link the assaults to the taxi industry, “disgraceful”.

“The Queensland taxi industry has never engaged in any unlawful activity, unlike uber who is operating completely unlawfully.”

However Mr Wash said that he also condemned “the breakdown of law and order in Queensland”.

“The law is clear and the Government has issued uber with a cease and desist order. They blatantly ignore this.

“My fear is that if the Government doesn’t act quickly, rogue individuals may decide to take the law into their own hands – and that will not be a good outcome for anyone.”

He said the taxi industry is made up of thousands of small business people who abide by the law at great cost, whereas illegal taxis don’t abide by any regulations and are being allowed to operate openly with no enforcement.

“If someone was breaking into my home and law enforcement knew the perpetrator and failed to act, what would I do? – Probably take the law into my own hands,” he said.

“This is what is happening. We have a law, uber is breaking it and honest, law abiding citizens are being hurt.

“I say to uber – if you were not acting illegally we would not be here having this conversation today.

“I say to the Government – We understand the complexities of legislation, but it’s time to enforce the law.

“The taxi industry wants law and order – we just want to get on with the job of serving our customers.
ENDS

Taxi Council of Queensland Inc.
Benjamin Wash, CEO

19 November 2014

Media Release

Illegal rideshare apps targeted in new public awareness safety campaign – Taxi Council says Queenslanders support them

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has commenced a public safety campaign, including billboard and radio advertising, to warn Queenslanders they are “risking their lives” when using illegal rideshare apps.

The campaign aims to ensure the State Government continues to force these apps to meet existing safety and service regulations. TCQ is calling on the public to support an e-petition and is also seeking the backing of disability, seniors’ and women’s groups.
TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the industry welcomed innovation and that the campaign had nothing to do with resisting competition, “a claim used by rideshare companies to disguise their unethical and unsafe business practices.”

“Cashed up companies like Uber use warm and fuzzy words but in reality they are about one thing – making money by exploiting uninsured drivers, exposing the public to risks and lying about their operations.

However he said Queenslanders are smart and can “spot a con”.

“Locals have overwhelmingly rejected these apps, with their own figures showing they have done less rides since they started than taxis across Queensland do in a few hours.”

However he said the campaign was needed because of the misinformation being spread by these companies and the need for the Government to hold firm to existing regulations.

The campaign’s slogan is blunt – “Don’t risk your life – Rideshare apps are unlawful, unsafe and uninsured”.

“These apps are illegal. The Government has told these companies not to operate but they are ignoring this,” Mr Wash explained.

“Queensland taxi drivers undergo daily criminal checks, but rideshare drivers don’t. You simply don’t know who is behind the wheel.”

“Additionally, taxis have security cameras and are GPS monitored, whereas ridesharing cars are private cars with no security measures. If the driver turns off his or her phone no one will know where you are.”

TCQ will be highlighting various community concerns including Uber’s controversial ‘surge pricing’, which charges unsuspecting customers up to ten times – or more – a normal fare in peak times.

Queenslanders can send a strong message of support to the State Government before the upcoming election. The e-petition can be found at http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2334

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has repeated its warning to avoid unregulated taxi apps following revelations that a Melbourne woman was sent abusive text messages by a taxi driver.
TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the story, which appeared on A Current Affair last night, highlighted what he has been saying for the past two years, and he predicted that more people who use the apps will be placed in danger.

“I don’t condone the actions of the driver in any way, but these unregulated apps provide a way for people who are so inclined, to act in the wrong way.”

He said a driver should not be given the mobile phone number of a customer and that the app company concerned had no screening process in place to ensure the person involved was even a real taxi driver.

“We have proven, despite the claims of these companies, anyone can register as a taxi driver on some of these apps, by submitting fake information, even if you don’t have a real taxi.”

He said it was wrong for the taxi industry to cop the blame for companies operating outside existing regulation.

“This confirms our prior warnings. When something goes wrong, who gets the blame? The taxi industry of course, yet we’ve spent years building the trust of our customers.”

“These apps have no way to investigate a rogue driver, no authority to act and they take no responsibility when things go wrong.”

Mr Wash said worse things can happen than a text message.

“What if a fake driver who is a sex offender was given a women’s mobile number? Let’s ponder that for a moment.”

His advice? “Make sure the taxi app you book with carries the same logo as the taxi that picks you up.

“This way, you know it has gone through the proper booking system.”

He said in Queensland, taxi booking company apps are the latest technology available. Queensland booking company apps can be found at http://www.tcq.org.au/smart-phone-apps

ACA story – http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8848443/taxi-drivers-tormenting-texts

Queensland’s Taxi Council (TCQ) says an increase in sexual assaults by fake taxi drivers across the UK should “sound the alarm” to Queenslanders who use unregulated smartphone apps to book cabs.
TCQ has renewed its warning to use only smartphone taxi booking apps from regulated taxi booking companies.

The warning comes after a woman in the UK was raped by a man posing as a taxi driver this week, and follows the revelation from state transport minister Scott Emerson that there were people in Queensland trying to operate unauthorised taxi services.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the combination of illegal taxi operators and unaccountable smartphone apps created a potentially dangerous situation.

“Unregulated taxi apps assist illegal operators because some allow anyone to register as a driver. We know this for a fact because we’ve tested them.

“Anyone can enter a fake name and be offered jobs from an unsuspecting member of the public. This is the dirty – and dangerous – little secret that these companies don’t want you to know.

“There is nothing stopping a fake driver with criminal motives – or even a criminal history – from accepting your fare. Even if the driver’s motive is just profit, an unlawful taxi operator gives you no protection.”

Recently police in Birmingham UK revealed that 75 women have been sexually assaulted over the past two years, stating that “some (fake taxi drivers) have darker motives to lure vulnerable, often drunk, lone women into their cars.”

Mr Wash said taxis are the safest form of door to door transport, with around 250,000 taxi fares each day across Queensland and “a comparatively miniscule amount of problems”.

“We want to protect the reputation of our industry and look after our customers.”

He also called on the media to stop promoting the apps and dismissing the dangers, expressing concern that “by the time they start to take our warnings seriously, it will be too late.”

Mr Wash urged customers to make sure they use a taxi app that carries the logo of their local taxi company, explaining that most Queensland taxi companies have their own smartphone apps.

-End-

References:
Bogus taxi drivers Birmingham, Jan 12, 2014 – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25689268
Dodgy Queensland operators, Jan 26, 2014 – http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/hundreds-of-taxi-drivers-fail-basic-english-reading-and-writing-tests-as-government-cracks-down-on-unlicenced-operators/story-fnihsrf2-1226810482564
Bogus taxi driver rapes women, Feb 16, 2014 – http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bogus-taxi-driver-raped-woman-6714934

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) wants people to stay safe this Christmas and has urged people to “grab a cab” if they are having a drink.

Chief executive officer Benjamin Wash says the choice is simple, “If you drink, you can choose between a ride in a taxi or a ride in a police car!”

TCQ has also issued 4 SAFE tips to help customers enjoy the festive season and reduce taxi waiting times over the busy holiday period, while asking people to be patient and respectful to each other – and to cabbies.

“It’s a busy time for taxi drivers but also a time that requires us all to work together, due to the peak demand,” Mr Wash said.

TCQ advises customers to follow their SAFE tips.

S – Secure Ranks: Remember that on Friday and Saturday nights, secure ranks operate in many busy night precincts across Queensland. In Fortitude Valley the Warner St rank also operates an optional ‘zone’ system, where a maxi-cab can be shared with others going in the same direction for a pre-paid agreed fare. Rank supervisors will assist you at all secure ranks.

A – Apps: Reduce waiting time and beat the queue by using an authorised smartphone app to book your taxi. Apps are found at www.tcq.org.au or on the website of your local taxi company. It’s faster than a phone call and you will be able to monitor the taxi’s progress as it nears. Warning – Do NOT use unauthorised apps (apps not linked to a taxi booking company) as these are not directed through the taxi company’s booking process and can risk your personal safety. Make sure the app carries the same logo as the taxi.

F – Fare: No cash – No card – No cab! Taxi fare evasion is illegal. If a driver believes you do not have the ability to pay, you can be refused or asked to prepay. Drivers can also refuse to accept a passenger due to threatening or highly intoxicated behaviour.

E – Early: Christmas is a busy period for taxis. Book early and reduce wait times.

As part of the aim to be known as the world’s best taxi service, Queensland’s Taxi Council has issued a warning to drivers that it will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour towards female customers.

4BC Interview with Benjamin Wash
00:0000:00
Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said that while Queensland taxis lead the world in many areas and enjoy a high customer satisfaction rating, he is setting the standards high.

“Ninety nine per cent of our drivers are excellent and do the right thing always, but when you want to be the best, you must demand the best,” he explained.

Mr Wash said he was aware that some female customers did not feel safe travelling in taxis, despite taxi travel being the safest form of door to door transport.

“We don’t want to ignore this perception. We want to bring this into the open and deal with it.

“Any behaviour that makes a customer feel insecure is distressing to me personally and to everyone across our industry.”

TCQ has issued a memo to all booking companies outlining unacceptable behaviour which includes:

– Inappropriate language, including vulgarity or sexually suggestive words or language.
– Questions of a private nature, including any personal details about customers or their plans.
– Any request for personal details or to communicate with a customer after the taxi journey.
– Suggestions outside of what would be typically expected from a taxi driver – i.e directions, places to visit, information about the location etc.
– Discussions of topics that may offend, raise concern or cause fear.
– Language that could be received as racist, sexist or degrading to women.

The memo states that inappropriate behaviour is found across all industries and is not widespread in the taxi industry, noting that the last Queensland Government mystery shopper survey gave Queensland taxis almost a 90 per cent satisfaction rating.

However Mr Wash said one incident was one too many.

“Just like we asked customers to report other issues in the past, we are now asking them to please immediately advise the taxi company of any instance where they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in a taxi.”

“If it is still unresolved, please advise TCQ. If we don’t know, we can’t act.”

FRANCES O’BRIEN
12/15/2016 11:59:13
Dear Sir/Madam,
Below is my abusive incident with a Yellow Cab Taxi Driver.
His name is: Sung Tek Kim
phone: -0435726972
address- 16 Killarney Crescent Capalaba 4157

I have asked Yellow Cabs and the Taxi driver to replace my destroyed suitcase. I have been trying since 21st Nov, 2016.
I have called the Taxi driver and he will not tell me his Taxi Driver License number or email. When he called me on my mobile phone he hangs up before I have time to answer the phone.
Can you help in any way. Although there has been no bad language this case is still extremely abusive towards a woman.
I have tried to get some justice through Yellow Cabs and

-Original Message—–
From: dragonfly555@live.com [mailto:dragonfly555@live.com]
Sent: 21 November 2016 16:22
Enquiry: Complaints
Name: Frances O’Brien
Email: dragonfly555@live.com
Phone: 0438409334
City: PO Box 3217, Umina Beach, 2257 NSW
Enquiry: The driver Kim (Asian Man) arrived at Stradbroke Island, he opened the hatch back so I could get my bags out and I also paid him $8.60 for the trip. He helped get the luggage out of the back and then got in the car. While I was taking some of my other bags onto the pavement he got in his car and reversed over my Eminent black hard luggage case. The case was dragged under the car. I ran over to the car and started to yell out “STOP”. At first he didn’t notice, but as I got closer to his driver side window he finally saw me and stopped. He got out of the car and I said to him ‘you have reversed over my luggage.’ We went to the back of his car and my suitcase was jammed under the car. When it finally came out the wheel had me broken and some of the suitcase has been cracked and scratched. I said to the taxi driver you have broken my suitcase. He said what do you want me to do. I said pay for a new one. He said Yellow Cabs can do that. The taxi driver went to get in the car and and I asked him for his name and he said Kim. I said I would like a card with your details on it. He got in the car and left. There was no reason for the taxi driver to reverse in the first place. I question the taxi drivers, driving skills. I have a witness who took a photo of the taxi cab for me and I have another witness who saw everything that went on.
My case is destroyed. I am on holidays. I have had to put belongings in striped plastic bags. The bags are heavy to lift. I have a disability and am quite a sick person, I really needed the bag I had destroyed by your taxi driver.
I would be happy if you bought me another bag. You can buy Eminent bags online. My suitcase is a Hard Luggage Black Case on wheels. It is 595 X 371.
I would also like my money back for the taxi ride.
You can contact me on my mobile or by email. If you would like a copy of the photos please email me for them.
Regards
Frances O’Brien
Trip Details, Date/Time/Location (Optional): Taxi cab number: 373.
Registration number: T51631.
Caught a yellow cab taxi from taxi rank at Cleveland shopping centre.
Arrived at Water Taxi to Stradbroke Island at 11:45am on 20/11/16. Driver was called Kim. Was an Old Asian Man.