Page 16 - drive a2b june 2020 website

VICTORIA
NEWS

Our Goal:

Keep our

taxis on

the road

Rod Barton MLC
Leader, Transport Matters Party

As I write this for the June issue of DRIVE We already know that many Commercial
A2B we are approaching the end of Passenger Vehicle (CPV) drivers have exited
negotiations with the Minister for Public the industry as a result of a significant
Transport for a COVID-19 support package reduction in work directly related to social
for the Commercial Passenger Vehicle distancing rules, or drivers leaving due to
industry in Victoria. The main goal of the their own safety concerns.
package is to keep taxis on the road, so
that as the market improves they are ready With international and domestic arrivals
to meet demand. ground to a halt, business meetings and
major events across the city cancelled, and
Transport for Vulnerable the majority of city based professionals
Victorians now working from home, the market has
all but dried up.
My greatest concern is that the pressures
of COVID-19 restrictions on the taxi However, our vulnerable citizens are still
industry will see the loss of Wheelchair reliant on personal transport to make even
Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) to the industry. the most basic trips.

Taxi driver David Chetcuti helps Anthony Austin into his taxi. Picture: Tony Martin
16 DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · June 2020