A 75-year-old passenger arriving at Sydney Airport late at night was twice refused a taxi fare because his destination was only 1.5km away. John Heron, who had flown in from Perth, approached the taxi rank outside the Virgin Australia terminal just before 11pm on Tuesday. Despite there being many cabs available, drivers allegedly told him to walk instead.
Heron eventually secured a ride after speaking with a supervisor and photographing the two taxis that denied him. The trip to his hotel cost about $28, a fare he was willing to pay. A hotel worker confirmed that difficulties with taxis are a known issue, often recommending Uber instead.
The New South Wales government's point to point transport commissioner issued 12 fare refusal penalty notices between January and June this year, following 58 last year. Over 1,200 fines have been issued in recent years. From now, first-offence fines will rise from $1,000 to $3,000 to deter overcharging, fare refusal, and meter misuse.
The commissioner stated that all passengers have the right to hire a taxi from a rank, regardless of journey length, except in limited circumstances. Authorised officers are conducting plainclothes and visible operations at Sydney airport to enforce a new $60 flat fare trial to the CBD, launched on 3 November.
Passengers refused service due to a short fare are urged to note the taxi's number plate and company, and report it to the taxi fare hotline. Nick Abrahim, CEO of the NSW Taxi Council, condemned the behaviour, saying drivers must serve passengers irrespective of trip distance. The council is working on a short fare system to address driver concerns.
