Taxi users to get fare go

Cabcharge cracks down on dodgy drivers

Dodgy taxi drivers who overcharge passengers will soon no longer be able to scam unwitting customers due to the rollout of new technology amid a surge in complaints.

Australia’s largest taxi payment provider, Cabcharge, is cracking down on drivers who turn off their meters and jack up their fares with the introduction of strict new rules on payments.

The changes mean that any Cabcharge payment product, such as a digital pass or e-ticket, can only be transacted on an in-vehicle payment device directly connected to the taxi meter.

The move has the thumbsup from the nation’s most extensive taxi networks, including 13cabs, Black & White Cabs, Silver Service, Swan Taxis, and SilverTop Taxis.

Under the current system, drivers can process Cabcharge product payments on a handheld payment terminal that is not connected to the taxi meter, meaning dishonest drivers can refuse to use their meter and charge an exorbitant fee at the end of the trip.

The move will see any taxi in Australia that wants to accept Cabcharge adorned with a sticker that says: “We proudly accept Cabcharge.”

If a taxi has that sticker, the driver must accept Cabcharge and can only charge the amount displayed on the taxi meter.

Cabcharge chief operating officer Gary Becus said the company, which has more than 10,000 corporate clients throughout Australia, recognised that overcharging was one of the biggest passenger complaints.

“This behaviour by a small minority of drivers damages the reputation of our entire industry and results in sub-par passenger experiences,” Mr Becus said.

“We will not allow taxis to use our products unless the payment terminal is connected to the meter. This is an important step to eliminating overcharging within the industry.”

13cabs chief operating officer Olivia Barry said the overcharging seemed to have increased as drivers became more aware of rideshare companies’ surge pricing techniques.

“This appears to be particularly prevalent for some rogue taxi drivers and rideshare during big events, like the Grand

Prix or concerts,” she said.

“We are all fed up with overcharging, which happens by a small minority of drivers.

“It reflects badly on the industry and the majority of hardworking drivers who do the right thing.”

The new vehicle technology is already being rolled out to all 13cabs, Black and white Cabs, participating taxi networks, and independent taxis across Australia.

The updated business rules will apply to participating taxi networks and independent taxis across the nation from May 15.