Improved taxi service levels in Perth on weekday mornings would be maintained following the positive results of a 12-month trial of optional extended operating hours for peak period taxis.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the trial was implemented to improve service levels on weekday mornings.

During the Department of Planning and Infrastructure trial, the demand for taxis was monitored against customer service levels and the results were assessed.

 “The trial incorporated feedback from taxi customers, taxi drivers, industry bodies and industry-related customers such as the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Perth Airport,” Mr O’Brien said. 

 "The AHA and Perth Airport both reported significant improvements in the taxi service levels experienced by hotel guests and airport passengers.

 "However, the Taxi Council of Western Australia (TCWA) and the Taxi Industry Forum of Western Australia (TIFWA) provided feedback that conventional taxi plate holders had suffered a loss of income during the last months of the trial.

 "The loss of income is attributed to a recent decline in demand for taxi services due to the global economic environment. Despite this recent decline, performance data indicates that customer demand for taxi services continues to be high.”

 The Minister said he was well aware of the importance of maintaining high service levels for customers but it was equally important for the taxi industry to be financially viable for operators.

 “To balance customer expectations with taxi driver viability, the department has recommended peak period drivers should continue to be given the option to work weekday mornings, during the hours of 5am to 9am, but on a rotation basis," he said.

 "Peak period plates that end in an odd digit will only be permitted to operate on those weekday mornings that carry a calendar date, which is an odd number. Peak period plates that end in even numbers will work on even numbered calendar days.

 "This rotating roster will allow demand for taxi service to be met as well as giving taxi drivers a more balanced opportunity to pick up jobs."

 Mr O’Brien said the new arrangements would take effect on April 14 for a 12-month period. The arrangements would be monitored and, at the end of 12 months, reviewed by the chairman of the recently reformed Taxi Industry Board, Barry MacKinnon, and accompanying reference group.

 “The taxi industry forms an essential part of our public transport system and the State Government is committed to building an improved taxi service for all Western Australians,” the Minister said.

 “This new initiative is part of our plans to grow the taxi service, ensure its sustainability and improve the experiences of taxi users.”

 Minister's office  - 9213 6400

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