- Multi-agency compliance operation at Perth Airport
- More than 100 taxi and rideshare drivers and vehicles checked
- Compliance operations will continue, with no warning as to where or when
- Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to building safe and inclusive communities.
A joint multiagency compliance operation targeting taxi and rideshare operators was undertaken at Perth Airport last week.
The operation was part of Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) activities to address increasing reports of industry non-compliance with responsibilities under the Transport (Road Passenger Services) Act 2018 such as refusing to use meters or not appropriately displaying authorisation
The four-hour operation targeted more than 100 vehicles and identified a number of non-compliant drivers and vehicles.
While the majority were compliant, some drivers received penalties, while some vehicles were temporarily removed from service.
Seven cautions and 13 improvement notices were issued for non-compliance with items such as failure to display driver identification or fare schedules.
One vehicle was removed from the rank for having an inoperable camera surveillance unit.
Work orders were placed on 19 vehicles for being unroadworthy, and were also removed from the rank. Most of the defects identified related to tyres.
WA Police also carried out over 150 roadside breath tests, with one driver returning a positive result.
The operation was a collaboration between the DTMI, Perth Airport, WA Police Force and Australian Federal Police. These targeted campaigns will continue, complementing DTMI's education and compliance regime.
Industry, passengers and the general public are encouraged to report incidents of non-compliance to the taxi or rideshare company involved, and directly to DTMI.
For more information, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/odt
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"Taxi or rideshare passengers should expect that when they get in a vehicle, it is roadworthy and compliant, and their driver is authorised and displaying identification information in accordance with the Regulations.
"These compliance operations are undertaken to make sure taxi and rideshare drivers are doing the right thing and while the majority are, some are not - and we want to hold them to account.
"DTMI will continue to work with other agencies to conduct these compliance operations, without warning as to where or when they'll take place. This operation is not the first of its kind and is certainly not the last."
