January 2nd 2025.
People who are planning to take taxis during the Australian Open in Melbourne have been cautioned to be on the lookout for potential price gouging schemes. It seems that some drivers in the industry are trying to take advantage of the event by implementing new payment technology that is not connected to their meter. This means that passengers may end up paying more than what is actually on the meter.
13cabs spokesperson David Samuel has raised concerns about this issue and is urging the government to take action. He believes that regulations need to be put in place to prevent this type of fraudulent behavior. In his words, "We need to stamp that out and we need regulations to make that happen."
On the other hand, reputable taxi drivers have a payment terminal attached to their meter which prevents them from adding extra charges. This is a standard practice that ensures passengers are not being overcharged. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has also addressed the issue, reminding drivers that it is illegal to refuse to turn on their meter. She further encourages passengers to report any suspicious behavior to Safe Transport Victoria.
However, Samuel argues that relying on passengers to report these incidents is not enough. He believes that the root of the problem should be addressed. In his opinion, "We need to cut the problem off at the source." He also advises passengers to choose taxis with livery on them, as this will make it easier to identify them and report any issues that may arise.
The issue has caused frustration among law-abiding taxi drivers who feel that a few operators are giving the entire industry a bad reputation. Independent driver Madan Lal expresses his frustration, saying, "This thing is very frustrating, especially for me." It is unfair that these few bad apples are causing problems for those who are doing the right thing.
The Australian Open is set to begin on January 12 in Melbourne. To stay updated on all the latest news, sport, politics, and weather, you can download the 9News app on your smartphone. This way, you can receive notifications straight to your device and stay informed about any developments. The app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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