Queensland’s Taxi Council will support any recommendation from the Keelty Review that allows private companies to bid for the non-urgent travel needs of hospital patients.
CEO of Taxi Council Queensland Benjamin Wash said taxis were already a significant provider of transportation to the disabled community and were well suited to take on the role, which could be a big boost to the industry’s “thousands of small business operators”.

Mr Wash said it was bizarre that unions would claim it was “wrong for private operators to make money out of sick and injured people” when you consider the high cost of health services to the taxpayer and the fact that even doctors charge a fee.

“All we are saying is that if Queensland Health chooses to put non-urgent transport to tender, the taxi industry is well placed to respond,” he explained.

Mr Wash said many Queenslanders may not be aware that the state’s wheelchair accessible taxi fleet led the world.

“We have one of the highest percentage of wheelchair accessible taxis of any taxi fleet on the globe.”

He said drivers currently provide a vital service to the sick, disabled and elderly and usually went beyond the call of duty to provide an exceptionally high service standard.

However he said using taxis for patient transport also made economic sense.

“I don’t know the cost of operating an ambulance but I think I can be safe in saying that a taxi would save significant money, as all you are paying for is the travel time.”

Mr Wash said that every taxi driver and operator is a small business owner, and any Government outsourcing move would act as a stimulus to the small business sector.

“Taxis are under-utilised. As well as patient transport, there is potential for governments to save money by using taxis for low usage bus routes or other transport needs.”

North Queensland can claim the best taxi operator in the state following the naming of Les Gist as Queensland’s “Taxi Operator of the Year”.
The award was presented to Mr Gist at Taxi Council Queensland’s annual conference on the Sunshine Coast. He operates taxis in Townsville, Ayr, Tully and Innisfail and was chosen by an independent judging panel from nominees representing every region of Queensland.

Mr Gist, who was born and raised in Ayr, is a veteran taxi operator with 39 years of experience. He worked as an ambulance officer before buying his first taxi in 1974. By the time he semi-retired in 2009, Mr Gist had built up a fleet of 24 taxis and three charter buses, employing four office staff and engaging 60 drivers.

Mr Gist is valued for considering the needs of his community. In 1987, he introduced the first wheelchair-accessible taxi – a converted XF Falcon – to Townsville, to enable disabled people greater freedom. He later introduced the first wheelchair-accessible taxis to Ayr (2001) and Innisfail (2004). In 2012, Mr Gist painted one of his Ayr taxis bright pink, added Breast Cancer Foundation signs for six months, and used it as a mobile billboard. The signs have now been removed, but Mr Gist decided to keep the taxi pink, as a silent reminder of breast cancer.

Taxi Council Queensland CEO Benjamin Wash said the award was a credit to Mr Gist’s service to “both the industry and humanity”.

“He is a well-deserving recipient of the Taxi Operator of the Year Award.”

Les Gist is available for interview on 0417 781 810.

The following statement is attributed to Benjamin Wash, CEO, Taxi Council Queensland:
Taxi Council Queensland has consistently supported the introduction of greater security measures in taxis, including the ability of cameras to record audio. However we equally believe this is an opportunity to
review the overall operation of the security system – in particular the capital and repair costs of cameras, the speed of download and creating easier access to the footage for training, insurance and public-benefit purposes.

We also support automated metering for the benefit of both drivers and customers, though we point out that with around 250,000 taxi fares each day, instances of rorting are extremely rare. The State Government’s own mystery shopper research confirms this. That said, we recognise that every industry has people who will do the wrong thing from time to time. Taxi Council Queensland has zero tolerance for any unethical behaviour and this is a positive step.

Queensland’s Taxi Council has reminded people attending tomorrow night’s State of Origin game at Suncorp Stadium that taxis are an economical, direct and safe alternative to public transport.

4BC Interview with Wayne Crookes (Chief Operating Officer, TCQ)
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Chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said many people forget that when four or more people catch a cab together, the cost can be comparatively low.

“Not only are taxis economical, but they are a safer, door-to-door transport option,” he said.

Mr Wash particularly urged younger people to jump in a cab rather than walk home from Suncorp or from bus stops and train stations.

“I suggest that parents will have a much greater peace of mind knowing their daughter or son will be dropped right at their door.”

Taxi tips for State of Origin:

• A secure rank will operate at Suncorp Stadium after the game, on Castlemaine St.

• The next most accessible taxi rank is outside Hotel LA on Petrie Tce

• After Caxton St reopens, the rank outside the Caxton Hotel will also be open.

• Drivers can refuse people who they believe are too intoxicated, present a threat or do not have the capacity to pay

• Drivers have the option of asking for a fare up-front. The meter will still be turned on and the account will be reconciled at the destination.

• Both Yellow and Black & White cabs can receive bookings via their respective phone apps.

• Please be patient with drivers during heavy post-game traffic. Taxis are ordinary vehicles and do not have the ability to magically pass through other vehicles or to fly.

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

Taxi Council Queensland applauds the announcement by the State Government that it has reversed its decision – announced in last year’s budget – to cap the usage of this valuable scheme. Queensland has one of the largest fleets of disabled-accessible taxis in the world and we value our customers with disabilities. This is a victory for the vulnerable and great news for people across the state who rely on taxi travel as their only form of transport.

Attracting more drivers from a broader cross-section of the community – including semi-retired people and women – is part of a bold campaign by Taxi Council Queensland to create the world’s best taxi service, according to chief executive officer Benjamin Wash.
Mr Wash marked one year in the job by announcing the plan, which will also focus on improving customer service and luring more customers.

He is already convinced the state’s taxi service is the best in Australia.

“Over the past year I’ve learned how important taxis are to so many Queenslanders, providing safe, door-to-door service to over a quarter of a million people every day.

“My goal is for Queensland to be the best in the world, and I believe that’s achievable as we work closely with government, tourism groups and drivers,” he explained.

He said that contrary to perception, driving a taxi is safe. “It is a good career and has offered generations of people a great lifestyle. Many other occupations have a far greater risk-factor and we are continually making it safer”.

The plan also involves training drivers to be tourism ambassadors.

“The first person that greets many visitors to our state is the taxi driver, and we want to partner with drivers to provide tourists with a more comprehensive service,” he said.

These initiatives are aimed at achieving Mr Wash’s ultimate goal – to increase taxi usage.

“I want to reintroduce the public to the benefits of taxis,” he declared.

“Not only is a taxi the safest and most convenient transport, but it doesn’t have to be expensive.

“During sporting and community events, it works out almost as cheap as other forms of public transport if a few friends share a cab, not to mention the convenience.”

“More people in cabs means less traffic congestion. It’s better for the environment, for tourism, for business and for the economy.”

Queensland’s Taxi Council has thrown its support behind the current police drink driving blitz and has urged Queenslander’s not to drink and drive.
This follows a report that a blitz in Brisbane’s north on Saturday saw one in 50 drivers busted for positive blood alcohol levels.

Taxi Council Queensland chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said if you choose to drink and drive, there are only two options – get nabbed by police or drive in a taxi.

He said the taxi industry witnesses the effects of alcohol first-hand and has called on people to display a greater level of personal responsibility.

“It is beyond belief that so many drivers were caught over the weekend when the option of getting a lift with a friend or calling a cab is a hell of a lot cheaper – and safer,” he said.

Regional Traffic Coordinator for Metropolitan North, Inspector Jac Feather told the Brisbane Times, “Far too many drivers still believe that there is an acceptable risk in leaving licensed premises or home after consuming alcohol and driving their vehicles with little regard for their own lives or the lives of other road users.” (Brisbane times 24 Feb, 2013)

Mr Wash said it has never been easier to call a taxi as almost all taxi companies now have smartphone booking apps.

His advice is simple: “If you drink and need to drive, make sure you drive in the passenger seat of a taxi.”