Answers to Questions

TAXIS, COUNTRY

In reply to the Hon. C.V. SCHAEFER (9 April 2008).

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business): I have been provided the following information:

1. The government has recently introduced regulations to specifically recognise country taxis without council licences, distinct from Small Passenger Vehicle Non-Metropolitan Vehicles. Amendments to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulations 1994 were published in the South Australian Gazette on 22 January 2009. Local Councils have and will retain the powers under the Local Government Act 1934 to licence taxis through by-law.

These regulations formalise the future operation of country taxi services in South Australia. This has occurred after a very lengthy process involving the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI) in conjunction with the taxi industry, local government and existing country operators. Amendments to the Passenger Transport (General) Regulations 1994 came into operation on 28 February 2009 and introduced a new category of country taxi accreditation and associated requirements for the operation of country taxis.

Under the new regulations country taxis will be distinguishable by taxi livery requirements as in the past, but there will also be distinctive country taxi number plates for all vehicles attached to the accreditation or licensed by local government. DTEI has kept Country Taxi SA Inc informed of issues and progress regarding the development of a new accreditation category for country taxis not licensed by Councils.

DTEI will continue to liaise with the industry associations regarding the implementation of the new regulations and transition processes.

2. Based on information provided from the South Australian Transport Subsidy Scheme database within DTEI, there are no delays to vouchers being paid to country taxi operators.