TCA to support reforms being led by the Victorian Taxi Services Commission (TSC)
TCA today announced that it is working with the TSC to support the implementation of its In-Taxi Technology Reform Program.
The TSC is an independent body established in July 2011, initially tasked with conducting an inquiry into the Victorian taxi and hire car industry under the direction of Professor Allan Fels AO.
The inquiry’s final report titled Customers First – Service, Safety, Choice, was tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 12 December 2012.
The TSC replaced the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) as industry regulator on 1 July 2013, with the current Chairperson, Graeme Samuel AC, responsible for delivering the Government endorsed reform recommendations.
Mr Samuel said, “The TSC is rolling out a range of reforms that will transform the industry and it’s pleasing to see reforms, especially those based on introducing new technologies, beginning to take shape.”
The Chairperson of TCA, Stephen Golding AM RFD, said “TCA is pleased to have the opportunity to work with the TSC and its stakeholders to develop a new, performance- based functional and technical specification for taximeters. This collaboration delivers upon the policy objectives contained in the inquiry’s final report and leverages TCA’s experience in managing regulatory telematics programs for government.”
“TCA will assist the TSC in managing the complex interaction of policy, technical, commercial and operational elements associated with its In-Taxi Technology Reform Program.”
The Chief Executive Officer of TCA, Chris Koniditsiotis, said “TCA acknowledges the leadership of the TSC in progressing these important reforms, which are set to benefit the users of over 5,000 taxis operating in Victoria.”
“Significantly, the value of the National Telematics Framework administered by TCA – which has been recognised by the International Standards Organisation (ISO) as a best practice approach to promote innovation through a competitive market of telematics providers – can now be promoted in the taxi sector,” said Mr Koniditsiotis.
TCA’s work with the TSC will commence during April 2014.