CASINO WILL BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO SMALL BUSINESS – TAXI INDUSTRY

Published on: July 24, 2015Category: Media Release

Media Release
7/24/2015

Casino will breathe new life into small business – taxi industry

Queensland’s taxi peak body believes Brisbane’s new casino will stimulate local tourism and small business in a way the city has not seen since World Expo.

Taxi Council Queensland chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the state’s taxi industry is made up of over 15,000 small business owners, who are just some of those that will benefit from projects like casinos and cruise ship terminals.

He said the industry has developed its tourism image over the past few years through close engagement with other tourism industry participants, and will be ready to be the ‘face of Queensland’ when the casino opens.

“Taxi drivers are often the first people tourists see when they arrive and the last they see before they depart, and we’ve been implementing a tourism ambassador program across Queensland for the past few years.”

Mr Wash is also expecting to see an increase in the number of taxi drivers, not only due to the casino but as major events like the Commonwealth Games draw near.

“There are around 250,000 taxi fares every day across Queensland and this will increase, meaning we will need more drivers, so I’d be encouraging anyone who wants a fulfilling career to come forward now,” he said.

“Many Queenslanders would be surprised to learn that while taxis might carry a brand on their cars, this is only a booking arrangement. Most cabs are owned by everyday people who have invested their savings into a taxi licence, and many are retirees.”

He said every driver is a small business person, making the taxi industry one of the largest supporters of small business in the state.

“We welcome development and congratulate both the Newman and Palaszczuk Government’s for their foresight in bringing a world class casino and lifestyle precinct to Brisbane.”
ENDS

TAXI INDUSTRY MOBILISES THE MASSES AGAINST ILLEGAL TAXI SERVICES

Published on: July 13, 2015Category: Media Release

Media Release
July 13, 2015

Queensland’s taxi industry is mobilising resources to stamp out illegal taxi services that continue to operate despite being ordered by the Government to stop.

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has announced a new member-driven campaign encouraging owners, operators and drivers to engage their local MP’s and reinforce the importance of upholding the rule of law.

“Our members, some 15,000 small business owners, are resilient and strong and are determined to spread the message about right versus wrong,” said chief executive officer Benjamin Wash.

“It’s these law-abiding mums and dads and retirees who have invested their life savings, who could be sent to the wall if the law is not upheld and anyone is allowed to flout regulations.”

TCQ has also congratulated the Palaszczuk Government for staying strong in the battle against illegal taxis.

“The State Government, particularly the Deputy Premier, has been prepared to make strong comments in the public domain regarding the importance of upholding regulations that serve the public interest.”

Some 2000 infringement notices have so far been issued in Queensland against uber drivers with fines totalling two million dollars, but the San Francisco-based corporate giant continues to snub its nose at the law.

“It is clear that illegal taxi providers have no intention of abiding by the rules, therefore legislative amendments are now required to improve enforcement.”

Mr Wash said if illegal taxis were allowed to operate, everything else is now fair game.

“Why not open a restaurant and refuse to abide by food safety regulations, or illegally dredge the Great Barrier Reef?

“We are sending a message to companies that if you can afford to pay the fines you don’t need to abide by the law, and we can’t – or won’t – stop you.”

He said the industry welcomed competition and any company had the right to put its case to the Government, but “should not operate until it is lawful to do so”.

A Brisbane radio station recently pulled its uber-sponsored advertising from all of its programming, something TCQ has welcomed.

“Media outlets should not be promoting an illegal service.”
ENDS

TAXI COUNCIL QLD SAYS BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER MAY INCITE LAWLESSNESS

Published on: July 10, 2015Category: Media Release, News

10/7/2015

​Taxi Council QLD says breakdown of law and order may incite lawlessness

Queensland’s Taxi Council has outlined their fear that rogue individuals may take the law into their own hands if illegal taxi services are allowed to continue operating.

Taxi Council Queensland CEO Benjamin Wash said he doesn’t condone any sort of physical assault.

“Taxi drivers have been victims of physical assault so we are the first to stand against violence, and we want to see any perpetrator arrested and charged,” he said.

However he pointed out that there is no evidence at this stage that anyone in the taxi industry has assaulted anyone, and called uber’s comments that tried to link the assaults to the taxi industry, “disgraceful”.

“The Queensland taxi industry has never engaged in any unlawful activity, unlike uber who is operating completely unlawfully.”

However Mr Wash said that he also condemned “the breakdown of law and order in Queensland”.

“The law is clear and the Government has issued uber with a cease and desist order. They blatantly ignore this.

“My fear is that if the Government doesn’t act quickly, rogue individuals may decide to take the law into their own hands – and that will not be a good outcome for anyone.”

He said the taxi industry is made up of thousands of small business people who abide by the law at great cost, whereas illegal taxis don’t abide by any regulations and are being allowed to operate openly with no enforcement.

“If someone was breaking into my home and law enforcement knew the perpetrator and failed to act, what would I do? – Probably take the law into my own hands,” he said.

“This is what is happening. We have a law, uber is breaking it and honest, law abiding citizens are being hurt.

“I say to uber – if you were not acting illegally we would not be here having this conversation today.

“I say to the Government – We understand the complexities of legislation, but it’s time to enforce the law.

“The taxi industry wants law and order – we just want to get on with the job of serving our customers.
ENDS

TAXI COUNCIL SAYS TOO MUCH UBERX SPIN AND NOT ENOUGH HONESTY IN MEDIA REPORTING

Published on: April 15, 2015Category: Media Release

Media Release
4/15/2015

Queensland’s Taxi Council has accused sections of the media of “blindly following the spin” disseminated by illegal ride-hailing company uberX, and ignoring the legitimate safety concerns of experts.

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) chief executive officer Benjamin Wash was referring to an article that appeared in Fairfax media this week warning Australian businesses that allowing staff to use uberX instead of taxis risked heavy penalties under work safety laws.

The article stated that “workplace lawyers are voicing major concerns about employers that permit staff use of the controversial service because it could breach their duty of care.”

Law firm Holding Redlich said uberX “should be banned by employers because the service was unlicensed and unregulated and there were no in-car surveillance cameras, used in taxis, to deter assaults.”

Mr Wash said that TCQ had been voicing these concerns for a long while and that much was “common sense”, however some parts of the media were “spellbound” by the illegal operator and had become “a dangerous mouthpiece for misinformation by putting lives in danger”.

“The media should be placing Uber X and their claims under the same scrutiny and fact-checking guidelines by which they treat others including the taxi industry, but many do not,” he said.

“The media are complicit in an illegal operation that tells the public to trust them on issues of safety, insurance, driver checks, vehicle maintenance and other issues – yet never provides any evidence to show their service is safe.

“Put simply, Uber has been given a free ride by some of the media which has resulted in the public believing the service is both lawful and safe – when it is neither.

“We know uberX is not safe. We know it’s not properly insured and we know that every time someone gets into an uberX car, both the driver and passenger are at risk, yet it takes a legal firm to finally provide the motivation for some honest articles.”
ENDS

TAXI COUNCIL WELCOMES NEW TRANSPORT MINISTER JACKIE TRAD

Published on: February 20, 2015Category: Media Release

Media Statement
2/20/2015

The following is attributed to Benjamin Wash, CEO Taxi Council Queensland

Taxi Council Queensland congratulates new Transport Minister Jackie Trad on her appointment and we look forward to a strong relationship with the new Palaszczuk Government.

I found Jackie to be responsive to the needs of our industry as opposition transport spokesperson and I am confident that the new Labor Government recognises the important role played by the taxi industry in Queensland.

The state’s taxi industry is unique in that we move over one hundred million people each year, yet are fully privatised with no government subsidies.

This highlights the importance of supporting the tens of thousands of small business people who own, operate and drive taxis, particularly by ensuring that anyone who seeks to start a taxi service competes on a level playing field and meets regulations that protect customers.

We welcome Labor’s strong pre-election commitment to uphold the law, bring a new resolve to enforcing the cease and desist orders that have been issued to illegal ride-hailing apps, and prioritise public safety.
ENDS

ILLEGAL RIDESHARE APPS TARGETED IN NEW PUBLIC AWARENESS SAFETY CAMPAIGN – TAXI COUNCIL SAYS QUEENSLANDERS SUPPORT THEM

Published on: November 20, 2014Category: Media Release, News

Taxi Council of Queensland Inc.
Benjamin Wash, CEO

19 November 2014

Media Release

Illegal rideshare apps targeted in new public awareness safety campaign – Taxi Council says Queenslanders support them

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has commenced a public safety campaign, including billboard and radio advertising, to warn Queenslanders they are “risking their lives” when using illegal rideshare apps.

The campaign aims to ensure the State Government continues to force these apps to meet existing safety and service regulations. TCQ is calling on the public to support an e-petition and is also seeking the backing of disability, seniors’ and women’s groups.
TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the industry welcomed innovation and that the campaign had nothing to do with resisting competition, “a claim used by rideshare companies to disguise their unethical and unsafe business practices.”

“Cashed up companies like Uber use warm and fuzzy words but in reality they are about one thing – making money by exploiting uninsured drivers, exposing the public to risks and lying about their operations.

However he said Queenslanders are smart and can “spot a con”.

“Locals have overwhelmingly rejected these apps, with their own figures showing they have done less rides since they started than taxis across Queensland do in a few hours.”

However he said the campaign was needed because of the misinformation being spread by these companies and the need for the Government to hold firm to existing regulations.

The campaign’s slogan is blunt – “Don’t risk your life – Rideshare apps are unlawful, unsafe and uninsured”.

“These apps are illegal. The Government has told these companies not to operate but they are ignoring this,” Mr Wash explained.

“Queensland taxi drivers undergo daily criminal checks, but rideshare drivers don’t. You simply don’t know who is behind the wheel.”

“Additionally, taxis have security cameras and are GPS monitored, whereas ridesharing cars are private cars with no security measures. If the driver turns off his or her phone no one will know where you are.”

TCQ will be highlighting various community concerns including Uber’s controversial ‘surge pricing’, which charges unsuspecting customers up to ten times – or more – a normal fare in peak times.

Queenslanders can send a strong message of support to the State Government before the upcoming election. The e-petition can be found at http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2334

TAXI COUNCIL RENEWS WARNING AFTER STORY ON A CURRENT AFFAIR

Published on: May 23, 2014Category: Media Release, News

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) has repeated its warning to avoid unregulated taxi apps following revelations that a Melbourne woman was sent abusive text messages by a taxi driver.
TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the story, which appeared on A Current Affair last night, highlighted what he has been saying for the past two years, and he predicted that more people who use the apps will be placed in danger.

“I don’t condone the actions of the driver in any way, but these unregulated apps provide a way for people who are so inclined, to act in the wrong way.”

He said a driver should not be given the mobile phone number of a customer and that the app company concerned had no screening process in place to ensure the person involved was even a real taxi driver.

“We have proven, despite the claims of these companies, anyone can register as a taxi driver on some of these apps, by submitting fake information, even if you don’t have a real taxi.”

He said it was wrong for the taxi industry to cop the blame for companies operating outside existing regulation.

“This confirms our prior warnings. When something goes wrong, who gets the blame? The taxi industry of course, yet we’ve spent years building the trust of our customers.”

“These apps have no way to investigate a rogue driver, no authority to act and they take no responsibility when things go wrong.”

Mr Wash said worse things can happen than a text message.

“What if a fake driver who is a sex offender was given a women’s mobile number? Let’s ponder that for a moment.”

His advice? “Make sure the taxi app you book with carries the same logo as the taxi that picks you up.

“This way, you know it has gone through the proper booking system.”

He said in Queensland, taxi booking company apps are the latest technology available. Queensland booking company apps can be found at http://www.tcq.org.au/smart-phone-apps

ACA story – http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8848443/taxi-drivers-tormenting-texts

RAPE BY FAKE TAXI DRIVER LEADS TO NEW WARNING OF UNSAFE SMARTPHONE TAXI APPS

Published on: February 21, 2014Category: Media Release, News

Queensland’s Taxi Council (TCQ) says an increase in sexual assaults by fake taxi drivers across the UK should “sound the alarm” to Queenslanders who use unregulated smartphone apps to book cabs.
TCQ has renewed its warning to use only smartphone taxi booking apps from regulated taxi booking companies.

The warning comes after a woman in the UK was raped by a man posing as a taxi driver this week, and follows the revelation from state transport minister Scott Emerson that there were people in Queensland trying to operate unauthorised taxi services.

TCQ chief executive officer Benjamin Wash said the combination of illegal taxi operators and unaccountable smartphone apps created a potentially dangerous situation.

“Unregulated taxi apps assist illegal operators because some allow anyone to register as a driver. We know this for a fact because we’ve tested them.

“Anyone can enter a fake name and be offered jobs from an unsuspecting member of the public. This is the dirty – and dangerous – little secret that these companies don’t want you to know.

“There is nothing stopping a fake driver with criminal motives – or even a criminal history – from accepting your fare. Even if the driver’s motive is just profit, an unlawful taxi operator gives you no protection.”

Recently police in Birmingham UK revealed that 75 women have been sexually assaulted over the past two years, stating that “some (fake taxi drivers) have darker motives to lure vulnerable, often drunk, lone women into their cars.”

Mr Wash said taxis are the safest form of door to door transport, with around 250,000 taxi fares each day across Queensland and “a comparatively miniscule amount of problems”.

“We want to protect the reputation of our industry and look after our customers.”

He also called on the media to stop promoting the apps and dismissing the dangers, expressing concern that “by the time they start to take our warnings seriously, it will be too late.”

Mr Wash urged customers to make sure they use a taxi app that carries the logo of their local taxi company, explaining that most Queensland taxi companies have their own smartphone apps.

-End-

References:
Bogus taxi drivers Birmingham, Jan 12, 2014 – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-25689268
Dodgy Queensland operators, Jan 26, 2014 – http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/hundreds-of-taxi-drivers-fail-basic-english-reading-and-writing-tests-as-government-cracks-down-on-unlicenced-operators/story-fnihsrf2-1226810482564
Bogus taxi driver rapes women, Feb 16, 2014 – http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/bogus-taxi-driver-raped-woman-6714934

Taxi Council warns of major transport problems if clubs forced to close at same time

Published on: January 23, 2014Category: Media Release

Enforcing a common closing time for licensed venues in South East Queensland entertainment precincts will cause transport chaos and may lead to more violence, warns the state’s peak taxi body.
Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) says the debate so far has ignored the practical issue of moving so many people at one time.

TCQ chief operating officer Wayne Crookes says there are enough taxis on the road to handle normal demand during busy weekends.

“Currently we successfully move tens of thousands of people every weekend from the entertainment precincts with minimal waiting times, mostly through our secure ranks,” he explained.

However a common closing time will create major delays and he is concerned about the ramifications of thousands of intoxicated young people roaming the streets unable to get home.

“The result of a lack of transport may be that young people will attempt to drive while intoxicated or walk home alone late at night, placing their personal safety at risk.

“Being unable to get a taxi may also cause frustration, and we’d be concerned about how that would impact drivers and the staff on our secure taxi ranks.”

Mr Crookes said the Taxi Council wholeheartedly supports moves to curb alcohol-fuelled violence – noting that taxi drivers themselves have been victims – but believes the transport issue must be considered as part of the discussion.

“We don’t wish to comment on the wider debate and we are not advocating for or against anyone’s plan or suggested solution. We simply want it to be known that the inability to provide adequate transportation could create its own set of problems.”

Mr Crookes said those who look to the ‘Newcastle solution’ should keep in mind that Brisbane is four times the size.

TAXI COUNCIL ISSUES SAFE TAXI CHRISTMAS TIPS – “GRAB A CAB, NOT A POLICE CAR”

Published on: December 18, 2013Category: Media Release, News

Taxi Council Queensland (TCQ) wants people to stay safe this Christmas and has urged people to “grab a cab” if they are having a drink.

Chief executive officer Benjamin Wash says the choice is simple, “If you drink, you can choose between a ride in a taxi or a ride in a police car!”

TCQ has also issued 4 SAFE tips to help customers enjoy the festive season and reduce taxi waiting times over the busy holiday period, while asking people to be patient and respectful to each other – and to cabbies.

“It’s a busy time for taxi drivers but also a time that requires us all to work together, due to the peak demand,” Mr Wash said.

TCQ advises customers to follow their SAFE tips.

S – Secure Ranks: Remember that on Friday and Saturday nights, secure ranks operate in many busy night precincts across Queensland. In Fortitude Valley the Warner St rank also operates an optional ‘zone’ system, where a maxi-cab can be shared with others going in the same direction for a pre-paid agreed fare. Rank supervisors will assist you at all secure ranks.

A – Apps: Reduce waiting time and beat the queue by using an authorised smartphone app to book your taxi. Apps are found at www.tcq.org.au or on the website of your local taxi company. It’s faster than a phone call and you will be able to monitor the taxi’s progress as it nears. Warning – Do NOT use unauthorised apps (apps not linked to a taxi booking company) as these are not directed through the taxi company’s booking process and can risk your personal safety. Make sure the app carries the same logo as the taxi.

F – Fare: No cash – No card – No cab! Taxi fare evasion is illegal. If a driver believes you do not have the ability to pay, you can be refused or asked to prepay. Drivers can also refuse to accept a passenger due to threatening or highly intoxicated behaviour.

E – Early: Christmas is a busy period for taxis. Book early and reduce wait times.

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