Racegoers heading to the Formula 1 this weekend deserve to feel safe and confident when they take a taxi or rideshare home.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is deploying a taskforce at the Australian Grand Prix to crack down on dodgy operators and make sure drivers are following the rules.
Across the four days, 25 authorised officers from Safe Transport Victoria will be out in force supported by education teams and operational staff as part of a joint taskforce approach.
The taskforce brings together officers from compliance, investigations and assurance teams - delivering a coordinated, visible and intelligence-led enforcement presence at pick-up and drop-off points.
Officers will be checking that taxis have their meters switched on, that drivers and vehicles are properly accredited, and that vehicles are registered and in good condition.
They will also ensure all commercial passenger vehicles display the new mandatory QR codes that link passengers directly to information about their rights and how to make a complaint.
Using the meter for unbooked taxi services has been mandatory since 2023, while new reforms introduced on 1 March require every commercial passenger vehicle to display a QR code so passengers can easily report misconduct.
Under the Labor Government's reforms, drivers who commit fare-related offences twice within 10 years can lose their accreditation under a strict "two strikes and you're out" rule.
Officers will also be on the lookout for anyone who is illegally touting for passengers - a practice banned since 2019.
Racegoers are encouraged to refuse unsolicited ride offers and instead use a taxi rank, pre-book a ride or take one of the many public transport options available.
Roving education staff will also be engaging with passengers across the precinct, handing out information cards and helping people understand their rights when travelling in taxis and rideshares.
As stated by Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams
"Major events like the Grand Prix bring huge crowds - and passengers deserve to know they're getting a safe and fair ride home."
"The majority of drivers do the right thing but our coordinated taskforce approach will have officers out in force catching anyone breaking the rules and letting passengers know their rights."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"The Australian Grand Prix is one of Victoria's biggest events and we want visitors to have a great experience from start to finish."
"Drivers doing the wrong thing should expect to be inspected anywhere and at any time across the weekend."
