BATHURST taxi owners and drivers have called on Bathurst Regional Council to support them as the industry fights for survival following the legalisation of ride-sharing services.
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Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced legislation changes in December that allowed businesses such as UberX to operate in NSW.
He also announced a $250 million compensation package for the taxi industry that has been called woefully inadequate.
Taxi Cabs of Bathurst Co-Operative Society chairman Jonathan Spence and director Dean Shadbolt have written to the council outlining their fears, saying the changes could hit regional areas particularly hard.
The letter, tabled at council by deputy mayor Ian North, says Bathurst taxis’ workload has fallen by about five per cent a year for the past three years and the arrival of ride-sharing services would hurt even more.
At the same time, taxi users were likely to be worse off as ride-sharing operators did not have to meet the same community service standards as the taxi industry.
“Taxis provide a service 24/7/365,” the letter said.
“We roster so at least one taxi is always working at all times, even in the quietest times when it is highly unprofitable to do so.
“We are the only organisation to do this and we do so willingly to provide a service to the community, at our expense.
“On the other hand, 'booked services’ can be expected, consistent with a free market environment, to focus largely on the more profitable busy times of Friday and Saturday nights, and other busy times.
“In doing so, they will severely undermine the viability of taxis and reduce our ability to continue providing round-the-clock coverage.”
Mr Spence and Mr Shadbolt said the taxi industry welcomed competition, but said it must be an even playing ground for all competitors.
Bathurst access advocate Bob Triming has weighed into the debate, saying the local taxi industry provided an important service, particularly for people with a disability.
“The Bathurst Regional Access Committee supports Bathurst Taxis because we are concerned that in five years if Bathurst Taxis no longer exists then there will be no wheelchair accessible cabs available in this city,” he said.
“The regulations currently say that taxi drivers must supply an accessible cab but this regulation does not apply to UberX.”
Mayor Gary Rush acknowledged the concerns and said the council had written to Bathurst MP Paul Toole expressing its support for Bathurst Taxis.
Mr Toole had replied that he also had an approach from Bathurst Taxis and had undertaken to speak to the appropriate minister on their behalf.
