ABC Far North Cairns, Feona Sewell
Interview with Benjamin Wash regarding taxi driver recruitment
4BC DRIVE: ONE PUNCH ADS ON QLD CABS
One Punch Ads on QLD Cabs 4BC Drive
Boxer Danny Green’s One Punch Can Kill campaign has ramped up a notch with NSW cabs agreeing to run the ads on the back of cabs throughout the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross area. CEO of Taxi Council QLD, Benjamin Wash speaks this is something that QLD cabs might be able to do as well.
4BC DRIVE: ONE PUNCH ADS ON QLD CABS
One Punch Ads on QLD Cabs 4BC Drive
Boxer Danny Green’s One Punch Can Kill campaign has ramped up a notch with NSW cabs agreeing to run the ads on the back of cabs throughout the Sydney CBD and Kings Cross area. CEO of Taxi Council QLD, Benjamin Wash speaks this is something that QLD cabs might be able to do as well.
4BC NIGHTS: THE DEMISE OF THE CAR INDUSTRY
4BC Nights:The blame for the demise of the Australian car industry can’t just be blamed on one thing. Wayne Crookes, the Chief Operating Officer of the Queensland Taxi Council, tells Walter Williams what is to blame for this happening.
4BC NIGHTS: THE DEMISE OF THE CAR INDUSTRY
4BC Nights:The blame for the demise of the Australian car industry can’t just be blamed on one thing. Wayne Crookes, the Chief Operating Officer of the Queensland Taxi Council, tells Walter Williams what is to blame for this happening.
RAPE BY FAKE TAXI DRIVER LEADS TO NEW WARNING OF UNSAFE SMARTPHONE TAXI APPS
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
SEE HOW YOUR TOWN RATES FOR TAXI RIDE SATISFACTION
TAXI COUNCIL WARNS OF MAJOR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IF CLUBS FORCED TO CLOSE AT SAME TIME
Enforcing a common closing time for licensed venues in South East Queensland entertainment precincts will cause transport chaos and may lead to more violence, warns the state’s peak taxi body.
Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) says the debate so far has ignored the practical issue of moving so many people at one time.
TCQ chief operating officer Wayne Crookes says there are enough taxis on the road to handle normal demand during busy weekends.
“Currently we successfully move tens of thousands of people every weekend from the entertainment precincts with minimal waiting times, mostly through our secure ranks,” he explained.
However a common closing time will create major delays and he is concerned about the ramifications of thousands of intoxicated young people roaming the streets unable to get home.
“The result of a lack of transport may be that young people will attempt to drive while intoxicated or walk home alone late at night, placing their personal safety at risk.
“Being unable to get a taxi may also cause frustration, and we’d be concerned about how that would impact drivers and the staff on our secure taxi ranks.”
Mr Crookes said the Taxi Council wholeheartedly supports moves to curb alcohol-fuelled violence – noting that taxi drivers themselves have been victims – but believes the transport issue must be considered as part of the discussion.
“We don’t wish to comment on the wider debate and we are not advocating for or against anyone’s plan or suggested solution. We simply want it to be known that the inability to provide adequate transportation could create its own set of problems.”
Mr Crookes said those who look to the ‘Newcastle solution’ should keep in mind that Brisbane is four times the size.
TAXI COUNCIL ISSUES SAFE TAXI CHRISTMAS TIPS – “GRAB A CAB, NOT A POLICE CAR”
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.
TAXI INDUSTRY SLAMS NEW FEE FOR PASSENGER DROP OFF AT NORTH QUEENSLAND AIRPORTS
The state’s peak taxi body has revealed that Mackay Airport wants to charge taxi customers a new drop off fee, and that Cairns Airport will likely be next.
Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has joined with local taxi operators to oppose the move by North Queensland Airports to charge taxis between $2 and $3.50 every time they drop off a customer.
Taxis already pay a fee when they pick up from both airports.
TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash says the latest move is a “blatant grab for revenue which will be paid for by locals and tourists”.
“Unlike picking up passengers, where the airport provides some form of infrastructure, there is no extra cost to the airport for a taxi to drop off a passenger.
“Taxi operators are upset that they are being asked to do the airport’s dirty work and believe that – like all third-party tolls and charges – it will make our fares appear higher.
“If the airport wants to slug customers, they should find another way of doing it, rather than hiding behind taxis. It’s their tax and they can answer for it,” he declared.
Mr Wash believes the airports have a longer term plan to also charge private cars a drop off fee.
“The CEO of North Queensland Airports comes from an airport in Scotland where all vehicles pay, so this may be their plan.
While the fee has only been officially announced for Mackay, North Queensland Airports Group – which operates both Mackay and Cairns airports – has indicated it will roll out the fee in Cairns.
He said the fee could also force taxi companies to make changes to its computer systems and incur other costs, potentially putting upward pressure on taxi fares.
“Everyone loses except the airport. I don’t see this as fair to the people of North Queensland.”