Proposed new regulations for Victoria’s commercial passenger vehicle industry will better protect passengers and drivers and reduce costs for industry.
Transport for Victoria today released the Commercial Passenger Vehicle Industry Regulations for public comment.
The proposed regulations will help implement the government’s taxi and hire car reforms which passed Victoria’s Parliament last year.
To improve passenger and driver safety, service providers must record safety risks and report assaults and other incidents to the regulator, and clearly display driver identification in the vehicle or on an app.
Passengers will be entitled to a fare estimate, full fare information and a receipt with details of the driver, vehicle and booking service to make it easier for them to make a complaint. All vehicles carrying out rank and hail work will continue to use a meter to ensure passengers are not overcharged for their trip.
The proposed regulations will reduce set-up costs for new businesses and drive competition by providing industry with greater flexibility for vehicle markings and removing the need for driver uniforms and safety equipment such as protective screens and emergency warning devices.
Safety cameras will still be required in vehicles carrying out rank and hail work in Melbourne and urban and large regional centres.
The government is also seeking feedback on proposed changes to operational requirements, record keeping and road safety rules.
People have until April 27, 2018 to comment on the proposed regulations which are expected to come into force in July 2018.
As stated by Transport for Victoria Deputy Head Michael Hopkins:
“We’re improving services and boosting choices for people who use commercial passenger vehicles in Victoria.”
“These proposed regulations build on earlier reforms to the industry and will ensure commercial passenger vehicle services are provided in a way that is safe, protects the interests of consumers and drivers, and promotes competition.”
“I encourage passengers, industry players and all other interested people to have their say before 27 April 2018.”
