In short:
Victoria is introducing tougher taxi and rideshare regulations from 1 July and 1 August, including penalties for refusing short fares, stronger reporting requirements and expanded disciplinary powers. The changes also broaden the state’s “two strikes and you’re out” rules and public misconduct register.
Fare Refusers on Notice
Taxi and rideshare drivers who refuse short fares, turn away assistance animals or overcharge passengers will face tougher penalties under a new crackdown by the Victorian Government.
The reforms, aimed at improving passenger safety and accountability across the industry, will be rolled out from 1 July and 1 August.
From 1 July, Victoria’s “two strikes and you’re out” rule will be expanded to include drivers who misuse taxi meters, refuse to provide receipts or turn away passengers travelling with assistance animals.
Drivers who are prosecuted for eligible offences twice within a 10-year period can lose their accreditation.
Audio recording will also become mandatory in all taxis from 1 July, joining existing requirements for video recording.
The state’s public register of disciplinary action, often referred to as the “name and shame” register, will also be expanded. The register will now include additional information about action taken against drivers and booking service providers.
Under the changes, the register will show when a driver’s accreditation has been cancelled due to a criminal offence or court order, and when it has been suspended following serious allegations of sexual assault.
Second Round of Reforms Scheduled
A further round of reforms will take effect from 1 August.
A new offence will be introduced for drivers who refuse a fare, including short trips. The offence will also be added to the “two strikes and you’re out” framework.
Booking service providers will also be required to notify the regulator of incidents involving overcharging, service refusal and assaults, including sexual assaults.
The changes build on earlier reforms introduced this year, including mandatory QR codes in taxis to make it easier for passengers to lodge complaints and tougher penalties for drivers who fail to use meters correctly.
Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams said: “Turning away some of our most vulnerable passengers because it’s a short trip or because they’re travelling with an assistance animal has no place in this industry.”
“Our name and shame register will stop repeat wrong-doers from quietly moving to another provider and getting back behind the wheel.”
“Most drivers do the right thing every day. We’re making sure the small minority who don’t are held to account.”
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