Taxi industry accreditation scheme
The Victorian Government is working with the State's taxi industry to increase professionalism and accountability through a new accreditation scheme. This page provides information on the scheme and access to application forms and information sheets. An
information brochure (PDF, 187 KB, 2 pp.) is also available.
Information on this page
What industry participants need to do
Licence holders, operators and network service providers are covered by the accreditation scheme introduced on 31 December 2007.
Licence holders & operators
Licence holders and operators are deemed accredited from the start of the scheme. This means they are required to meet the minimum business and service standards from 31 December 2007. They must also comply with the regulations by keeping and supplying the data required to measure their performance.
'Deemed' licence holders and operators may be audited at any time to check whether they are meeting the standards and complying with the regulations. They will be advised when they need to apply for renewal of their accreditation – some time over the following two years. If a licence holder or operator wishes to transfer a licence or assignment in the meantime they are required to apply for renewal of their accreditation before they may do so.
Licence holders and operators need to be accredited by 31 December 2009.
Network service providers (depots)
Existing network service providers are in a different situation, as they have not been regulated in the past. Existing network service providers are required to seek accreditation during 2008/09. At the beginning of April this year, all large and medium primary network service providers have now obtained accreditation. Small network service providers (those that provide services to less than nine taxi-cabs) are required to be accredited prior to 30 June 2009.
While network service providers are not subject to the standards or regulations until they have been accredited, they are encouraged in the meantime to ensure that they can meet the standards and comply with the regulations.
Secondary network service providers are also included within the scheme and will require accreditation from 31 August 2009.
Prospective entrants to the industry in any of these roles are required to apply for accreditation and must be approved by the VTD before commencing their role.
Business & service standards
Resource kit
For licence-holders
For operators
- Application and renewal form (PDF, 747 KB, 24 pp.)
- Proof of identity information sheet (PDF, 95 KB, 2 pp.)
- Relevant person form (PDF, 300KB, 8 pp.)
- Certificate of financial capacity - operators (PDF, 192KB, 6 pp.)
- Daily vehicle inspection register (PDF, 66 KB, 1 p.)
- Quarterly vehicle inspection register (PDF, 66 KB, 1 p.)
- Complaints register (PDF, 67 KB, 1 p.)
For Network Service Providers (NSPs)
- Application and renewal form for Secondary NSPs (PDF, 675 KB, 16 pp.)
- Secondary NSP workshop flyer (PDF, 267 KB, 1 p.)
- Addendum to Business & Service Standards (PDF, 154 KB, 6 pp.)
- Notes on Accreditation of Secondary Networks (PDF, 77 KB, 1 p.)
About taxi industry accreditation
The new accreditation scheme extends the 'chain of responsibility' for the taxi industry’s performance to all industry participants.
The scheme clearly identifies and differentiates between the roles and responsibilities of taxi-cab licence holders, operators and network service providers.
New minimum business and service standards apply to each role, while regulations enable compliance with the standards to be monitored, audited and enforced.
The scheme is established under the
Transport (Taxi-Cab Accreditation and Other Amendments) Act 2006. It is illegal under the Act for a person to operate a taxi-cab or provide network services without being accredited to do so. Strong safeguards ensure that only fit and proper persons may be accredited.
Business and service standards that must be met by accredited licence holders, operators and network service providers are set by the Minister under section 133C of the Act.
The
Transport (Taxi-Cab Industry Accreditation) Regulations 2007 set out evidence that must accompany an application for accreditation as well as detailed record keeping, disclosure and audit requirements. Failure to comply with the regulations is an offence attracting financial penalties ranging from $3,300 to $66,000.
Under its
Reducing the Regulatory Burden initiative, the Victorian Government has made a commitment to cutting the existing administrative burden of regulation on business by 15 per cent over three years, and 25 per cent over five years. Progress towards achieving targeted reductions in the administrative burden are measured using the Standard Cost Model. The Standard Cost Model was developed by the Dutch Government to provide a consistent method for estimating the administrative costs imposed on business by Government.
A Standard Cost Model assessment of the administrative burden imposed by the Transport (Taxi-cab Industry Accreditation) Regulations 2007 has been undertaken. The
Standard Cost Model Report - Transport (Taxi-cab Industry Accreditation) Regulations 2007 (PDF, 330 KB, 14 pp.) has measured the net result of the change in the administrative burden as an additional $3.1 million.
It is a requirement that the adequacy of the Standard Cost Model measurement be assessed by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission. The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission has assessed the measurement contained in the Standard Cost Model Report as adequate and as meeting the requirement of the
Victorian Guide to Regulation: see
Assessment of Standard Cost Model Report (PDF, 115 KB, 1 p.).
Benefits of the scheme
For passengers
The majority of people in the taxi industry are already meeting the minimum standards and passengers can expect this to continue. However, the accreditation scheme will make all individuals and companies clearly accountable for their role in delivering taxi services.
Increased enforcement and audit activities will identify those who are not meeting the minimum standards. As sub-standard performers are identified and action is taken to improve their performance, passengers can expect to see fewer examples of unsatisfactory service or safety breaches.
The accreditation scheme is designed to encourage customer feedback.
Extra data collected under accreditation will enable better analysis of industry trends.
For drivers
Taxi drivers - the face of the taxi industry - will benefit from the industry accreditation scheme in a number of ways.
Responsibility for service quality will be shared more equitably across all roles in the industry. The standards require that drivers are treated with respect by operators and network service providers, and ensure that they are given natural justice in any disciplinary proceedings. More consistent standards across the industry and a greater range of powers to deal with poor performers will improve conditions for drivers, increase customer satisfaction and enhance the relationship between driver and passenger.
Taxi drivers are covered by a separate
accreditation scheme for drivers of taxis, hire cars and buses. This was introduced from 1 July 2007.
More information
For more information,
contact the Victorian Taxi Directorate.