A LAVINGTON man fears a review of taxi fares in NSW that is expected to recommend a price rise will make it tougher for him and his family.
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Rhys Wilton said he relied on taxis up to three times a week to travel to and from Albury and prices as they stood were reasonable.
“We catch taxis all the time because they are quicker and more convenient over other types of transport,” he said.
“If they put the prices up, it would definitely impact on us — we would have to rely on buses a lot more.”
The meter starts at $4.10 for a standard fare in Albury and rises by $2.26 a kilometre for the first 12 kilometres.
The price then jumps $3.31 a kilometre.
In Wodonga, the starting price is 40 cents cheaper at $3.70 and rises almost $1.90 a kilometre when travelling faster than 21km/h and $0.67 a minute if the speed is less than 21km/h.
“If we are going to Wodonga, we usually order a Wodonga taxi because it is cheaper, but if Albury was cheaper we would go with them,” Mr Wilton said.
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s annual review considers the input of drivers, operators and passengers as it considers its recommendation for a maximum fare.
Tribunal chairman Dr Peter Boxall said it was vital to hear from everyone because often there were fewer options in regional areas.
“We need to understand whether the service and fares are meeting communities’ needs, or if changes should be made,” Dr Boxall said.
“We aim to make it easy for people to catch a taxi and taxis to operate.
“Operators need to cover their costs and make a decent living, while fares should be affordable enough to attract passengers.”
Last year’s review led to a fare rise of 2.5 per cent from July 1 this year.
Albury Radio Taxis general manager Tim O’Dea said taxis played a major role in Albury.
“There is no one else who you can get on the phone and call who will come and get you at any hour of the day,” he said.
“There hadn’t been price rises here for some years and only recently was there an increase for the first time in some time, so I think the fares are reasonable.”
The survey is open for comment until November 18 and people are encouraged to take part online at ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Taxi_Survey.
A draft report will be released in April next year.
