NSW TAXI COUNCIL OPPOSES MOVE TO MAKE UBER PIN PERMANENT AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

The NSW Taxi Council has opposed a move by the NSW Government to extend the Uber PIN Trial at Sydney Airport for another six months, with the view to make it a permanent arrangement at the International Terminal.

The Uber PIN technology allows an Uber to ply for hire at the Airport's kerb side, prior to any booking being made by the passenger. Clause 84 (a) and (b) of the Point to Point Transport Regulations (2017) clearly define the requirements and conditions for a vehicle to be able to ply for hire. Uber does not meet this requirement. The NSW Government has provided an exemption for Uber to allow the trial to proceed.

NSW Taxi Council CEO, Nick Abrahim was live on 7News this afternoon, and said;

"When Rideshare services were legalised, the Laws provided a clear distinction between Rank and Hail services for Taxis, and Booked Services for Rideshare. These distinctions include the requirement for Taxis to be fitted out with Security Systems and Devices, such as cameras, duress alarms and GPS tracking, as well as signs and markings on a Taxi. These are not required for Rideshare services, including Uber.

Uber want to have the same access as Taxis and ply for hire, without having the same requirements as Taxis."

Nick also mentioned:

"The Government cannot intervene and provide an exemption to allow Uber to ply for hire, providing them with an unfair advantage. Trips that are made by Uber PIN, are at the expense of the Taxi Drivers earnings. This is unfair and unjust. You cannot have one rule for Taxis, and another rule for others (Uber)."

The NSW Taxi Council will continue to advocate with the NSW Government against this move.

To watch the interview on 7 News, please CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE THE MEDIA RELEASE BY THE NSW GOVERNMENT.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH EXCLUSIVE: PENALTIES FOR FARE RELATED OFFENCES TO INCREASE TO $3,000

"Banned taxi firm rebrands 250-cab fleet to dodge Sydney Airport ban"

Source: The Sunday Telegraph, Reported By: Matthew Benns

A fleet of 250 taxis slapped with an airport ban for dangerous behaviour has been caught in an audacious attempt to dodge the rules. It comes as fines for rogue drivers triple to $3000.

A taxi firm barred from Sydney Airport for unsafe behaviour rebranded its 250 cabs with new stickers and sent them straight back to the international and domestic terminals – only to have them banned again this week.

The dodgy tactics have been exposed as NSW Transport Minister John Graham cracks down on drivers by tripling the fine from $1000 to $3000 for those who rip off passengers.

CLICK HERE to read more.

NSW TAXI COUNCIL SENDS STRONG MESSAGE FOLLOWING TSP BANNED AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

NSW Taxi Council CEO, Nick Abrahim was on the 2GB Ben Fordham Breakfast Program talking with John Stanley following a major announcement involving a Taxi Service Provider being banned from picking up at Sydney Airport from Friday 26 September, 2025. The ban is in place for 24 months.

During the interview, Nick mentioned to John that the NSW Taxi Council fully supports the ban which has been issued to Apex Cabs, for not complying with safety requirements at Sydney Airport. This includes failure to cooperate and respond to a number of incidents identified and reported to Apex Cabs.

Nick also added that, "This ban should send a strong warning, not just to Apex Cabs, but to anyone who provides Taxi services and chooses to do the wrong thing and not play by the rules. The Taxi Industry is the livelihood for the majority of our wonderful Cabbies, who are working very hard to provide good service and look after passengers, I am not going to allow a cohort of individuals to come in and destroy it for those doing the right thing. We will go as far as we need to, in order to stamp this out".

Nick also discussed his concern around preventing Phoenixing by Service Providers in the Taxi Industry.

He mentioned to John that, "I will be focussing my efforts towards preventing Phoenixing, to the extent where I will be working with Sydney Airport and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner to ensure any Individuals involved are identified and dealt with accordingly."

Click below to listen to the full interview on the 2GB Ben Fordham Breakfast Program or CLICK HERE.

TAXI SERVICE PROVIDERS BANNED FROM PASSENGER
PICK UP AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

Sydney Airport has issued a ban notice to a Sydney Taxi Service Provider, restricting any vehicles from its fleet to access the kerbside pick up at all three terminals within Sydney Airport, from Friday 26th September 2025. We understand that the ban will be in place for a 24 month period.

The NSW Taxi Council supports Sydney Airport’s move to apply the ban placed on the Service Provider, which we understand operates over 250 Taxis within its fleet in Sydney.

NSW Taxi Council CEO, Nick Abrahim said:

“This ban will send a strong message to those Service Providers who are not cooperating with requests by key Stakeholders, including Sydney Airport. The NSW Taxi Council is committed to working with those in our Industry who are committed to adhering to the state’s regulations, service excellence and adhering to a high level of standards. To those who are not prepared to lift their game, our message is clear – this ban is only a starting point. The taxi industry will go as far as it needs to in order to ensure compliance and cooperation by all Service Providers who want to be a part of our industry and carry the brand “Taxi.”

CLICK HERE to read more.

NSW TAXI COUNCIL & CTOA PROUDLY JOINS THE
HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER PROGRAM

The NSW Taxi Council and Country Taxi Operators Association (CTOA) are proud to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program as "Members" - A global initiative designed to make the invisible visible.

In Australia, 1 in 5 people live with a disability, and it is estimated that 90% of these are hidden. Conditions such as autism, dementia, chronic pain, anxiety, and hearing or vision loss may not be immediately obvious, but they can significantly impact daily life. The Sunflower provides a simple, discreet way for individuals to indicate they may need more time, patience, or understanding in their interactions.

By joining this program, NSW Taxi Council and CTOA have taken a significant step forward in promoting an inclusive and supportive NSW Taxi Industry.

On Monday, 15 September 2025, 12 Taxi Concierge Personnel as well as the NSW Taxi Council CEO and Training Manager, completed the Sunflower training and received certification to recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. The skills and knowledge gained from the training will help to respond with care and sensitivity. This training empowers the staff to provide the right support, ensuring passengers feel respected, understood and safe.

This is just the beginning. We will continue rolling out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program across the Taxi Industry in different ways - extending its reach beyond Sydney Airport and into communities throughout NSW.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can travel with dignity and confidence.

We are excited about this Membership and the positive impact it will have on both Passengers and Drivers. By embracing this program, we are reinforcing our commitment to accessibility, compassion, and inclusivity for every journey.

Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program HERE

SET FARES FROM SYDNEY AIRPORT TO GIVE VISITORS A FARE GO 12 MONTH TRIAL TO COMMENCE

FROM 3 NOVEMBER 2025

NSW Taxi Council CEO, Nick Abrahim joined NSW Minister for Transport, The Hon John Graham MLC as well as CEO of Sydney Airport, Scott Charlton and Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing for a media conference on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at the International Airport Terminal.

A great opportunity to be a part of an announcement on a trial of set fares of $60 ($80 for Maxis) from Sydney Airport to the Sydney CBD, commencing from 3 November, 2025.

The NSW Taxi Council welcomes this initiative announced by the NSW Government as a positive step forward in giving passengers certainty and peace of mind when catching a Taxi from Sydney Airport.

This has been a great example of collaboration across NSW Government, Sydney Airport and the Taxi Industry and we look forward to introducing further measures to ensure travellers and tourists receive great service when visiting our world class city.

CLICK HERE to view the full NSW Government - Minister for Transport Media Release.

MEDIA RELEASE:
NSW TAXI COUNCIL ANNOUNCES FOUR POINT PLAN TO TACKLE ROGUE BEHAVIOUR

The NSW Taxi Council has released a four point plan as a measure to tackle rogue behaviour and to give passengers confidence and certainty when using a Taxi.

The NSW Taxi Council acknowledges that whilst the majority of taxi drivers are doing the right thing, more needs to be done to target a number of Rogue Drivers who may think it is OK to flout the law and overcharge passengers. This behaviour is tarnishing all of the good work being done by most drivers and needs to stop.

NSW Taxi Council CEO, Nick Abrahim said:

“We need to send a stronger message to those drivers who are overcharging passengers and who are undoing the great work of the majority in our Industry. To those who choose to do the wrong thing, your time as a Taxi driver is up!

Driving a Taxi is the livelihood for many – putting food on the table and roofs over their heads. I know I speak for the majority of these hard working Cabbies and Operators when we call for tougher measures to stamp out the rogues. Put simply, we don’t want them in our Industry driving Taxis”.

The NSW Taxi Council has released the Four Point Plan and is calling on the NSW Government to support Industry and assist with the implementation of the following measures;

Increase penalties for first fare related offence from $1,000 to $3,000. This penalty should also apply to the refusal of a passenger with an Assistance Animal.
Regulate more rigorous Standards for Taxi Meters for Rank and Hail Fares
Implement a system (Green List) at Sydney Airport providing an opportunity to ban Drivers who continue to offend.
Move to a Centralised Driver Identity System providing Industry with greater transparency for Drivers who are removed from a Service Provider.

The NSW Taxi Council in conjunction with Industry, has been working with Sydney Airport on the implementation of the Taxi Concierge program at all three terminals at Sydney Airport. This has been a positive initiative, helping deliver enhanced customer experiences as well as reporting of incidents, since going live on 30th June, 2025.

Nick added, “We want to take the data and insight we are receiving from the Concierge Program and implement additional measures to ensure we give passengers the confidence and certainty when using Taxis. This includes tougher penalties against those drivers who choose to do the wrong thing”.

The NSW Taxi Council acknowledges the commitment and support of key Stakeholders, including Sydney Airport, the NSW Government, together with the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner in working with Industry to address the issues around Drivers overcharging passengers.

It is imperative that we introduce these additional measures to weed out those drivers who are breaking the law.

For any fare related complaints, passengers are encouraged to contact the Point to Point Transport Commissioners Fare Related Hotline on 1800 500 410.

For any media enquiries, please contact Nick Abrahim, Chief Executive Officer at the NSW Taxi Council, Email – nick@nswtaxi.org.au or call 02 8339 4644.

MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE TAXI AVAILABILITY
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Source: NSW Government Media Release

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver fair access to Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in NSW by offering $2,500 operational support grants and a new round of interest-free loans to eligible operators.

The $2,500 grant for eligible Wheelchair Accessible Taxi vehicle owners is part of a $15 million emergency package announced late last year and it is intended to address the shortage of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis in NSW.

It will help with the higher costs associated with operating a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi on the road compared to a standard taxi, and will be open to applications commencing Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

Wheelchair Accessible Taxis are an essential part of the NSW transport system and help people with disability to get to health appointments, engage in employment and education and participate in social activities.

Nick Abrahim, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Taxi Council, said:

"The NSW Taxi Council welcomes this new round of grants and interest free loans being announced by the Ministers' involved as a positive step towards supporting Operators of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis.

We look forward to continuing our work with the relevant Ministers as we look for longer term support for Wheelchair Taxi Operators to ensure ongoing viability of these services, so that the vulnerable members of our society have ongoing access to transport."

Further details on both the operational support grants and the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Loan Scheme will be available from Monday 4 August 2025, on the Transport for NSW website at:
https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/p2p-accessible-initiatives

To read the full Media Release, CLICK HERE.

NSW TAXI COUNCIL ROLLS OUT TAXI CONCIERGE PROGRAM AT SYDNEY AIRPORT

The NSW Taxi Council has officially rolled out the Taxi Concierge Program at Sydney Airport as a measure to enhance the customer experience for passengers using Taxis at Sydney Airport.

The program commenced on Monday, 30 June 2025, with Concierge staff operating at International Terminal 1 and Domestic Terminals 2 and 3 to assist with connecting passengers with Taxis, as well as providing support with luggage, mobility/accessibility and information services. The service will also help improve passengers connection with Taxis when using a Cabcharge or TTSS product as their payment method.

The program has been designed to support Taxi drivers and help improve service standards. The Taxi Concierge will also focus on helping address non-compliant behaviour, such as refusal of fares, Assistance Animals, Cabcharge & TTSS as well as overcharging incidents, through a dedicated reporting system that enables enforcement and builds confidence with the travelling public.

NSW Taxi Council CEO Nick Abrahim said, “For many, Sydney Airport is the gateway to our world-class city, and we want to match that with world-class service.” The program has received strong support from Industry Stakeholders including GM Cabs, 13cabs, Business Sydney and Sydney Airport.

The six-month trial, approved by Sydney Airport, includes Concierge representatives wearing hi-vis, NSW Taxi Council uniform, on-site during peak hours, on most days (6am–10am and 7pm–11pm). Services will also ramp up for the winter holiday period, with daily support available from 5 July to 20 July, and extended services for arriving passengers continuing until 27 July.

The NSW Taxi Council would like to thank Sydney Airport, the Taxi Concierge Team led by Toufic and Carlos, as well as Industry Stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration in bringing this valuable service to market and we look forward to seeing the benefits of the program.

TAXI DRIVER AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Copy of Taxi Ambassador Launch Video Cover Page (3).jpg

The Taxi Driver Ambassador Program is a training program that has been established to help taxi drivers deliver higher service standards for a world class experience for tourists and visitors in our world class city.

The program focuses on providing the best of the best taxi services, from the moment a tourist arrives, during their stay and when they are travelling home at the end of their visit.

The program aims to:

Improve passenger experiences, especially for visitors to our city.
Enable taxi drivers to deliver higher service & safety standards.
Enhance driver knowledge of Sydney's landmarks and attractions.
Contribute to a world-class experience for tourists and visitors.
Heighten awareness around transporting vulnerable passengers, particularly passengers with a disability, including wheelchair users.