TAXI drivers in Bendigo believe further industry changes from July 1 will have little effect on their trade, and remain adamant they are still the preferred choice of transport despite the arrival of Uber.
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From Sunday, taxi fares in Bendigo will cost $1 extra when a state government levy comes into effect.
But public transport minister Jacinta Allan said the deregulation of pre-booked taxi fares – effectively allowing providers to set their own price – from July 1 would drive down prices as competition increases.
A $23,000 annual reduction in the cost of operating a taxi has also resulted in 70 per cent more taxis in Bendigo.
Bendigo Independent Taxis manager Michael Hawkins said it was clear there were more taxis on Bendigo roads than before, which meant better choice and service for passengers.
He said Uber had made little impact on taxis in Bendigo, and the changes to come into effect from Sunday were minor.
“They might take a little bit of business from here or there, but I’m more concerned about lifts for cash,” Mr Hawkins said.
“They are going to kill someone one day.”
Despite Ms Allan’s assertion that deregulation of fares obtained from rides booked online, over the phone or by an app would come into effect from July 1, taxi drivers in Bendigo were unaware of the change.
Speaking with the Bendigo Advertiser at the Bendigo Railway Station this week, taxi drivers were confident the upcoming changes would have little impact on passengers, but many were still waiting to see further details.
They believed achieving high levels of service and professionalism would mean people in Bendigo would continue to choose taxis over Uber.
The arrival of Uber has also done little to affect business, they said, despite taxi drivers’ assertions that Uber drivers are travelling up to Bendigo from Melbourne on Friday and Saturday nights to capitalise on a peak in younger passengers using the app.
Other changes to come in from July 1 include passengers receiving an estimated fee up-front, a requirement that all drivers – including Uber – must pass police, medical and driving history checks, and every vehicle must meet safety standards.
Ms Allan said previous changes, including reducing costs of running taxis, had resulted in better service in Bendigo.
“The reforms have already led to reduced fares, shorter wait times, and safer and more reliable services in regional Victoria - and stronger consumer protections will also soon be in place,” she said.
Taxi drivers in smaller country towns will receive a rebate, meaning the $1 levy will not be passed on to passengers.
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