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total disregard to the fact that the taxi driver has not public sectors need to come together and understand
seen an increase in maximum taxi fares for many years. what connectivity and automation is all about. We
have to build a team of talented people in Australia
The ESC acknowledged the fact that the quality of who have the expertise to do these things, otherwise
taxi services in the metropolitan area has generally
improved, but then go on to say that "the current we will be reliant on those overseas. We need the
maximum fares provide sufficient incentives to improve community to be willing to accept this updated
or maintain the quality of service provided". technology and embrace it. And we have to action this
now!
How is improving the quality of service even greater,
going to get any more reward for the driver? Safety – it is all about safety. We get so much more
safety benefits from today’s cars and our roads
Many stakeholders who had provided submissions will be safer for both drivers and pedestrians when
suggested that the maximum fares should be adjusted Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) are finally fine-tuned to be
in line with the CPI - but the ESC does not agree. The fully functional.
ESC says that because the cost of running a taxi has
marginally decreased over the last two years, the taxi There has been a gradual increase over the last 10 years
operator does not need any more revenue from the fare from ABS to auto pilot system on freeways, and vehicles
box. are now connected to cloud services whereby in-vehicle
apps can be updated, maps can be updated, songs can
So the operator and driver are penalised for working be downloaded and more. But we still have quite a way
strategically and cutting costs by a small amount, and to go before we see fully autonomous vehicles on our
the ESC thinks this is good and will not reward them roads.
with a fare increase.
Yet there are some major gaps in the current
There is still an opportunity to have your say. You are infrastructure. For example, AVs rely on phone
encouraged to comment on the ESC's draft decision connectivity ability, and whilst we can drive from
and submissions should be made by 5pm, Friday 31 Sydney to Melbourne to Coffs Harbour with full
July 2020. telephone connectivity, there are many regional places
in Australia where this is still not possible.
To make a submission on this paper please go to Also, currently in Australia we have a different set of
Engage Victoria's website: www.engage.vic.gov.au.
rules and regulations for our roads in every State and
Connectivity and Automation Territory. We really cannot expect the AV software to
be programmed with each set of rules. We need one
national standard to be developed, agreed upon and
I recently had the opportunity to participate in an adhered to.
excellent webinar organised by ADVI (Australia & New
Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative) on the subject of Stay well and stay safe.
Connectivity and Automation. Mrs Toni Peters
DRIVE A2B Editor
The forum highlighted the fact that European countries
are leading the way and that government, industry and

DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · July 2020 5