Media Release
August 23, 2017

The Taxi Council of Queensland (TCQ) has expressed alarm about recent news from the United Kingdom that indicates Uber has failed its duty in reporting sex attacks committed by its drivers.

The Telegraph newspaper reported that London’s Metropolitan Police was seriously concerned that the company was cherry-picking what incidents it reported to the police in order to protect its public image.

The Telegraph article quotes Inspector Neil Billany, head of the Metropolitan Police’s taxi and private hire unit, saying he had “significant concerns” about Uber’s behaviour and he believed that Uber were only notifying police of “less serious matters” that would be “less damaging to its reputation”.

Among the list of serious crimes that the company allegedly failed to report to police were a string of sexual assaults, two suspected public order offences, and one very serious incident in which a driver produced pepper spray during a road rage argument.

Given the recent spate of Uber drivers being charged with sexual and other offences in Queensland, it begs the question as to whether there may be more incidents coming to light in the future.

TCQ chief executive officer Blair Davies is particularly concerned that we may have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

“In the last month we have had three Uber drivers charged with very serious offences and the Premier’s only response has been to say Uber “needs to start accepting responsibility,” Mr Davies said.

“This is to the same company that was outed for pulling the wool over the Government’s eyes using its “Greyball” app enhancement, and now outed for irresponsible behaviour in relation to reporting crimes by its drivers in the UK.

“If anyone has to start accepting responsibility for the lack of safeguards protecting vulnerable members of the community using booked hire services, first and foremost it should be the Queensland Government.”
ENDS

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

Media Release
May 19, 2017

The chief executive of Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) says this week’s revelation that a fake ride-sourcing driver attempted to pick up a Gold Coast woman, should send shivers down the spine of every Queensland MP.

Benjamin Wash said TCQ has been warning of events like this – which have happened several times previously – ever since the Government allowed ride sourcing. He said it only reinforces the importance of strong, safety based legislation in the personalised transport sector.

“We cannot downplay this incident. When an unauthorised person with an unknown motive tries to pick up someone in a vehicle it is an attempted abduction, plain and simple!

“This is a direct result of the State Government’s dereliction of their duty to protect Queenslanders and legislators should act immediately to ensure that this cannot happen.”

Mr Wash said the Taxi Council has called for proper identification of all vehicles in the personalised transport sector because currently it is far too easy for people with criminal intent to take advantage of vulnerable people.

“What if this person was intoxicated or had a mental disability? I can guarantee that many people would not have had the presence of mind of this lady and would have gotten into this car.

“If this is not fixed someone will be seriously hurt or even die, but let’s not wait until that happens before we implement sensible, consistent, safety based regulations for all taxis and ride sourcing vehicles.”

Mr Wash emphasised that uber was not at fault for this incident, but it highlighted the need for ride sourcing vehicles to provide the same level of protection to consumers as taxis.

“It is the State Government that is at fault here.”

TCQ has recently called on all Queensland MPs to implement 20 key points which will ensure common sense transport for Queensland.
ENDS

Media Release
May 16, 2017

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has labelled the recommendations from the parliamentary committee overseeing the Personalised Transport Reform Amendment Bill 2017’, “a political whitewash” and accused the State Government of intentionally delaying the issue until after the next state election.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the recommendations fall far short of legislation that is required to provide Queenslanders with an effective personalised transport service.

“While a couple of the recommendations are consistent with our 20-point common sense transport solution, overall this doesn’t protect consumers, drivers or owners of either taxis or ride-sourcing vehicles,” he said.

He said there were a few valid points like a register of disaffiliated drivers and the requirement for all drivers to have public liability insurance, but overall it was a cop-out.

“These recommendations show just how clueless the Government is in this space and only highlights the need for an independent transport commission as we have suggested and as the LNP has endorsed.

“Politicians simply cannot be trusted to get this right.”

Mr Wash said the committee’s deferral for 18 months of key points like security cameras proves that the Government is trying to delay making decisions until after the next election, potentially throwing it forward to the next government.

“Waiting 18 months before insisting on security cameras in all vehicles is irresponsible and clearly an attempt to pander to ride-sourcing companies who don’t care about customer safety.

“I challenge anyone to tell me that the risk to the passenger is the same in a car with or without a camera. If cameras did not reduce risk and lead to greater prosecution of offenders then why are they in every other form of transport and indeed used across venues and public spaces?

He said that drivers and customers required the protection that TCQ’s 20 points – which include cameras in all personalised transport vehicles – provide.

“Our plan is simply common sense, something that the Government clearly lacks.”
ENDS

Media Release
4/19/2017

​Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has labelled reports that uber is helping unemployed people, “nothing more than PR spin” and has expressed surprise that the media is not fact-checking the claims.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash says the multinational that refuses to pay GST or tax in Australia is actually exploiting unemployed and vulnerable people, as their drivers mostly earn well below the minimum wage.

“Uber’s business model is based on drivers making very little money and paying for all of their costs out of their own pocket.

“You only need to look at numerous rideshare drivers’ online forums to see how disgruntled the majority of drivers are with their pay and conditions, and how they feel betrayed by the deception.”

Mr Wash explained that the maths simply don’t add up.

“When you take a lower fare and factor in 25 per cent for uber, GST – and the driver pays even the company’s share – fuel and other associated expenses, there simply is no profit.

“They use lies to attract desperate people, and rely on a huge turnover of drivers to keep the company operational.

“And remember there is not even a camera or other safety structures to protect their drivers.”

He said when rideshare first hit the market, some taxi drivers were lured by the promises but they soon returned disheartened, when the talk of big money turned out to be a mirage.

“Uber pays some drivers to spread their campaign of misinformation so that they can exploit more people.”

The Taxi Council has embarked on a state-wide campaign to “bring common sense back to the personalised transport sector” and has called on all MPs to support 20 key points.

One of the points includes “minimum work conditions and standards for all personalised transport drivers enshrined in legislation.”

“The State Government has caused this mess, and it’s time for common sense to prevail.”
ENDS

Media Release
May 31, 2017

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) will again operate a secure rank on Castlemaine Street outside the YMCA after tonight’s State of Origin Game 1 from 9:30pm – 12:30am.

Those customers booking a taxi by phone or by the Yellow or Black & White Cabs smartphone apps, should arrange to be picked up away from Suncorp Stadium due to limited access resulting from traffic congestion. Access to Milton Road, Castlemaine Street and Caxton Street will be limited.

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

Taxis will be available on Petrie Terrace at the rank outside Hotel LA once the street has been reopened to traffic. Fans who want to continue their post-match celebrations will also be able to catch taxis at a secure rank outside the Treasury Building in George Street.
ENDS

Media Alert
March 29, 2017

Mackay Whitsunday Taxis wish to advise that our taxi services have recommenced in Mackay with the easing of severe weather conditions from ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie, however, we have not yet resumed operations in Airlie Beach. This will depend on when authorities declare it safe to allow vehicles back on the road.

At this time we are thinking of those who have been affected by the cyclone and will do everything we can to support those in our communities who are in need of assistance.
ENDS