Sydney Taxis Pass The Test

Sydney taxis pass the test

Sydney's taxis have experienced a 50% increase in telephone bookings alone this morning, as cabbies help commuters get to work in the bus strike.

"Taxis were never designed to be mass transport providers or to get 600,000 people to work by 9am. However, today we have responded to the highly unusual clash of a bus strike on a rainy day on one of the busiest taxi days of the year, and we have passed the test," said Mr Peter Ramshaw, Deputy CEO of the NSW Taxi Council.

"This is a clear demonstration that Sydney's taxis are flexible and responsive while reforms are ongoing, today has clearly proven that we really do have the fundamentals right.

"Every available car has been on the road and all call centres are at full capacity. I believe we have demonstrated that there is capacity for additional service within the taxi industry and that we are responsive to customer service demands.

Mr Ramshaw thanked passengers for being patient and flexible and for agreeing to share cabs with others heading in the same direction. Very few passengers blamed drivers for traffic conditions and the weather. He also thanked taxi drivers for being so responsive to customer needs.

Having completed the morning peak hour taxis are now focusing on the Friday evening demand.

"Tonight's demand is expected to be greater but over a lengthier timeframe. Some Sydneysiders will leave work at 5pm and some will not require a taxi until after dinner or their Christmas Party."

Mr Ramshaw says there will be taxis available and provided tips so that everyone can get a cab.

* Pre-booking where possible and planning ahead to avoid peak times.
* Consider group bookings with a Maxi Cab.
* Allow others to share your taxi by allowing multiple hiring.
* Use one of the secure ranks in the CBD (located at Chifley Square from 5pm until 1am and at both Park Street and the Four Seasons Hotel from 5pm to 3:30am).
* If you are at a pub or club ask if they are one of the hundreds of participants in the Secure Cab scheme.

If passengers have any feedback about their journey, they should call the NSW Government's feedback line on 1800 648 478.

"Patience and courtesy would be appreciated when booking or riding in a taxi, and we ask that expectations are kept realistic. If, in these most difficult circumstances, a taxi driver provides exceptional service, please feel free to offer a tip and a friendly word," said Mr Ramshaw.

Media contact: Tracey Cain, NSW Taxi Council 0411 644 999

SOURCE: NSW Taxi Council