Victoria Expands Taxi Driver Regulations, Introduces "Two Strikes" for New Offences

In short:

Taxi rule changes are being expanded to include punishment for drivers who refuse short trips and who refuse to take passengers with assistance dogs.

Drivers could have their accreditation suspended or cancelled under the "two strikes and you're out" rules.

Mandatory audio recording in taxis is also being introduced to match the already mandatory video recording.

Taxi drivers who refuse short trips or knock back passengers with assistance animals could be kicked out of the industry under new rules in Victoria.

The Victorian government is expanding its "two strikes and you're out" rules to include several new offences.

The "two strikes" rule was introduced last year and allowed the industry regulator to cancel the accreditation of a driver who had two fare-related convictions.

Drivers can also have their accreditation cancelled or suspended if there is a pattern of complaints against them.

From July 1, the rule will be expanded to include misusing a meter, refusing a receipt, and turning away passengers with assistance animals.

More changes will come into effect from August 1.

They include a new offence for drivers who refuse a fare, including short trips.

Booking service providers will also be required to notify the regulator of incidents of overcharging, service refusal and assault, including sexual assault.

Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said drivers who repeatedly did the wrong thing would be forced out of the industry.

"Turning away some of our most vulnerable passengers because it's a short trip or because they're travelling with an assistance animal has no place in this industry," she said.

The government is also expanding the "name and shame" register to include more information about disciplinary action taken against drivers and providers.

The register will show when a driver's accreditation has been cancelled because of a criminal offence or court order.

The government said this would stop drivers from moving to another taxi company after they had been disqualified from one.

"Our name and shame register will stop repeat wrongdoers from quietly moving to another provider and getting back behind the wheel," Ms Williams said.

" Most drivers do the right thing every day. We're making sure the small minority who don't are held to account. "

Mandatory audio recording is also being introduced in taxis in Victoria to go with the already mandatory video recording.