Page 23 - drive a2b FEB 2020 web

Rideshare and Hire Car booking service providers will most
probably have the passengers' details on file and could Last month a taxi driver was
therefore pursue payment after the event. But taxi drivers bashed in the head by a hammer-
don't have access to that information - and they have no wielding passenger in a terrifying
recourse on passengers who avoid paying their fares. attack in Melbourne's north-east.

In Queensland the government states that if you use public The 37-year-old driver was taken
transport (e.g. train, bus, ferry) or private hire like a taxi, it's an to hospital after being hit with the
offence if you: hammer multiple times at Liberty
• try not to pay Parade, Heidelberg, at about
• do not pay 1.45pm on Sunday 20 January
2020.
• do not pay your full fare
• travel outside your allowed distance Police believe the incident began
• do not have proof of your concession (if you are travelling with a dispute about fare evasion.
as a concession holder).
"The male got out of the taxi and
You can be fined or have to appear in court. You could be smashed the windscreen with
sentenced to 6 months in prison. a hammer before opening the
driver’s door and continuing to
The NSW government rules that "after the termination of a assault the driver," police said.
hiring (or on leaving the taxi-cab in compliance with a direction
given under clause 76), the hirer must pay to the driver of the "The offender fled on foot and
taxi-cab the authorised fare for the hiring. Penalty - $100". was last seen east along Morobe
Street."
Neither of these fines are for a huge amount of money, but it is
a disincentive to passengers who are thinking of not paying for The driver suffered non life-
the service of being transported from A to B. threatening cuts and bruises to
the head.
The service of Taxis, Hire Car and Ride Share vehicles is not
a free service. Passengers are required to pay, and if they Anyone with information is asked
do not then they MUST be dealt with. Governments in both to contact CrimeStoppers on
Queensland and NSW certainly see it this way - but Transport 1800 333 000 or online at www.
for Victoria does not! crimestoppers.com.au.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
TAXI 1300 133 353

conversions www.avagroup.net.au

TAXI CONVERSIONS
1300 133 353 www.avagroup.net.au

FROM $13,695.00
23
STARTING
DRIVE A2B magazine · February 2020

+ OPTIONS

 Lift Type Vertical Split Long Platform Internal Fully Automatic
 2 x Sets Slide & click W-Chair & L/Sash Occupant Restraints
 2 x Toyota Style Original Folding Seats c/w New Floor & Wall Brackets
  Flush Floor & Polyflor Non Slip Floor Coverings
 Reverse Triple or 4 Seater, Crash Frame, Seat Belts & Head Rests
  Large Metal Lockable Restraint Storage Box at Rear
  3 x Child Restraint Anchor Points & Fixings
1300 133 353
49 Fennell St, Port Melbourne Vic 3207 | 1636 Sydney Rd, Campbellfield Vic 3061
23 Armada Place, Banyo QLD 4014 | 54 - 60 Industry Dve, Tweed Heads NSW 2486 www.avagroup.net.au