NSW: Taxi council proposed tariff over flagfall

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2000
NSW: Taxi council proposed tariff over flagfall

The New South Wales government is considering a request from the state's Taxi Council
for a 20 per cent increase in tariffs for drivers working during the Olympic Games.

The proposal put forward yesterday came hot on the heels of a Transport Workers Union
claim for a $5 flagfall during the Games period.

The Taxi Council wants its tariff to apply 24 hours a day from September 1 to October
31, across the Sydney metropolitan area.

The TWU's $5 hiring fee is similar to the one claimed by cab drivers on New Year's Eve.

But New South Wales Taxi Council president REG KERMODE says a survey of 21,000 taxi
drivers shows they don't want the flagfall.

They say they fear a repeat of the abuse they suffered from passengers when attempting
to apply it on New Year's Eve.

Mr KERMODE says the 20 per cent tariff would be included in metered fares for passengers
instead of being added on afterwards by the driver.

He says he's confident the government will approve the tariff as a fairer option for
drivers and passengers.

AAP RTV nd/ah/nf/jn/nf/et F

KEYWORD: OLY TAXIS (SYDNEY)

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