The Australian Taxi Drivers Association

Representing Australian Taxi Drivers and their Regional Associations.

A New Direction for Taxi Drivers

The Australian Taxi Drivers Association sets a new direction in developing respect and self-respect for all taxi drivers. For too long we have been disunited and disadvantaged - and there is a circularity in that situation.There are over 60,000 taxi drivers, and, separately we are worked over and picked upon by all other industry participants.

Given that we pick up about thirty passengers during the course of what is generally a twelve-hour shift, the relationships are mostly O.K. Although not many other workers can predict that in a year they will be robbed by fare evaders eight times and physically assaulted at least once every three years. It's comforting that there is only one murder a year.

But passengers are the only source of income, and the service we give is our only product. Taxi Drivers provide only public transport mode which is available 24/7, every day and night of the year.

Not withstanding media beat-ups, the average number of unsubstantiated complaints from passengers is one in 13,000 trips in Sydney. One complaint every two years per driver. And a great many of those complaints are entirely unsubstantiated. The N.S.W. Ministry of Transport statistics show a "serious" complaints as an effective one in 500,000 trips. And the decrease in complaints against drivers is three times greater than the decrease in complaints against Networks.

We are an industry of first choice and of last choice. Taxi driving is a great start for new workplace entry, and for many it's the only exit choice after displacement from "regular" work. For some it does become a career. For perhaps most, they are only driving "in-between" having a proper job. Only one quarter of drivers can ever be 'owner-drivers' - three quarters will always remain 'bailee-drivers'. But all of us have the same issues and problems and solutions.

The reality is that for most it's a job that pays about $13.00 an hour cash-in-hand. If you work the unregulated hours that are available, you can make up to $1,000.00 a week. If you want a family, a life, and to drive safely you earn about $120 a day average. What you don't get are annual paid holidays, sick pay or public holidays off.

It is time to effect change. The change will come only from united action by taxi drivers,for taxi drivers and this is our objective: "A fair share of a fair fare in a safe driving workplace."

It's a simple enough slogan, but there is a complex underlying structure which requires action at many different levels. That Australia is a Federation of States, with differing rules and regulations makes the task more complex. The fact that one monopolistic player currently dominates the industry makes the task more able to be done, and gives us greater public support.

The ATDA has kickstarted the process. By supporting the TAXIS web based Job Offer and Payment System, freely available to both Taxi Drivers and Taxi Passengers, the monolith is under pressure from a cheaper and more efficient alternative.

And now, in 2011 the ATDA, in conjunction with The Peoples' Solicitors, are about to launch a Class Action for damages and losses on behalf of 60,000 Australian Taxi Drivers against Cabcharge Australia Limited on account of their monopolistic practises already admitted to the ACCC. Watch this space !!!!