Tuesday 22nd Jun 1999

Owen Jennings

Media Release -- Justice

ACT Transport Spokesman Owen Jennings today said the Minister of Transport should have given Taxi drivers the same relief from the LTSA licence fee renewal hikes that he has given bus drivers.

"ACT believes that having lost the argument to charge up to $60 for standard drivers licences the LTSA decided to recoup the shortfall from commercial licence holders. Today's changes by the Minister leave those costs on the shoulders of Taxi Drivers.

"While Taxi drivers have been given back the choice of renewing their licences annually or five yearly, it will cost them $448.50 to do that. That is more than what was originally proposed.

"The vetting fee content of taxi driver licences is still too high. Most checks only require a two minute computer check.

"The $321 charge for bus drivers was outrageous and it will be a relief today for the many rural school bus drivers, who drive as a community service, that they won't be forced to pay this charge.

"The Government and the LTSA had to bite the bullet and admit to commercial drivers that they were overcharging for the renewal of licences under the new regime and move to cut the costs. But, they have only done half the job today by cutting the costs for bus drivers, but not for taxis," said Owen Jennings.

ENDS

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