The Marshall Government will provide immediate financial support for South Australia’s taxi industry which has been hit hard by the impacts of the coronavirus.
The $5.2 million package, funded from the Business and Jobs Support Fund, will include;
- a $4,300 ex gratia payment per metropolitan taxi to over 1000 taxi operators; and,
- waiving a full year of operator accreditation and vehicle fees for metropolitan taxi operators for a twelve-month period.
“We are continuing to roll out our strong plan to protect South Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic and also support local jobs and businesses,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
“Taxi operators have significant running costs, including vehicle registration, accreditation and other fees.
“That’s why we are delivering immediate financial relief with a $4,300 ex gratia payment as well as waiving a full year of operator accreditation and vehicle fees, which equates to over $500.
“This is a $5.2 million financial relief package to support local jobs in the taxi industry and help maintain the important service they provide, especially Access Cabs.
“We have announced $1 billion in economic stimulus measures to help keep more South Australians in a job so they can support their families and local businesses.
“Representatives of the taxi industry have indicated taxi operators are struggling to cover running costs with a 70 per cent reduction in business in the wake of the COVID-19.
“The taxi industry is feeling the effects of the restrictive travel measures and forced closure of restaurants and other businesses during this unprecedented time.
“We are delivering industry assistance to ensure a minimum service is maintained for community need, and, in particular, that Access Cabs remain on the road.”
Many of the other fees and expenses taxi operators incur are not government fees, including base fees, equipment costs, maintenance and depreciation.
Individual taxi drivers and associated businesses adversely affected by the COVID 19 pandemic can also make individual submissions to the Federal Government for consideration as part of their various economic stimulus packages (JobKeeper and JobSeeker).
