❓ A parliamentary question regarding taxi and tour/charter vehicle licensing in Albany, and concerns about unfair competition. The government acknowledges complaints and investigations, but found most unsubstantiated.
AnsweredQoN 596Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
TAXI SERVICES - ALBANY
My question relates to taxi services in Albany. (1) How many standard taxi licences are operated in Albany? (2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
My question relates to taxi services in Albany. (1) How many standard taxi licences are operated in Albany? (2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(1) How many standard taxi licences are operated in Albany? (2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(1) How many standard taxi licences are operated in Albany? (2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(2) Has the government recently granted tour and charter licences to either Amity Taxis or persons associated with Amity Taxis; and, if so, how many licences, at what cost to the applicants and with what conditions attached? (3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(3) Has the government received complaints of licensed tour and chartered vehicles being operated in direct competition with and damaging the viability of regular taxis in Albany? (4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(4) Has the government taken action to address these complaints? (5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(5) If so, what action was taken; and, if not, why not? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The regulation of country taxis is now the responsibility of the Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure. However, as the questions also relate to tour and charter licences, the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure has provided this response. (1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(1) A total of 17 taxi licences operate in Albany, comprising 15 conventional taxis, one peak-period taxi and one wheelchair-accessible multipurpose taxi. (2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(2) Yes, the Department for Planning and Infrastructure has issued two omnibus - tour and charter - licences in Albany to the transport operator who also owns Albany Taxis. Amity Taxis is an associated business name, but it is the same company. The omnibus licences cost $88 each. Many conditions are attached to omnibus licences and the minister is happy to provide these upon request. As the thrust of the question is aimed at the omnibus interaction with the taxi industry, the minister points out that these licences have specific conditions attached to them that prevent the omnibus vehicles competing in the taxi market. One such condition states that a vehicle shall not operate from taxi ranks or ply for hire, street-market or tout or cruise on roads and other public places for the purposes of attracting customers or passengers. Another specific condition states that the vehicle shall not display identification that will present in a manner resembling a taxi; for example, roof signs etc. (3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(3) Yes, the government has received complaints from the existing taxi operators, Albany City Cabs and Transport, about vehicles licensed as tour and charter omnibus vehicles. (4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
(4)-(5) Yes, DPI officers have travelled to Albany on two separate occasions to investigate complaints about these vehicles. However, the majority of complaints could not be substantiated. The omnibus vehicles were issued defect notices to ensure signs identifying vehicles as taxis were removed. These notices have been complied with. The operators were also required to modify their record-keeping practices, which they have done.
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