FARES AND CHARGES
Transport for NSW sets the maximum fares for rank and hail taxi services that operate in NSW.
A new taxi fares order came into effect on 1 November 2017, coinciding with the commencement of the new regulatory framework for the point to point transport industry.
It is important to note that the fares order only applies in respect of taxi services that are caught at a rank or hailed on the street. It does not apply to booked point to point transport trips (including booked taxi trips).
Other changes to the taxi fares order include removal of a booking fee, changes to the cleaning fee with a maximum fee of $120, and the removal of the return toll for Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel northbound trips.
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Taxi fares fact sheet (DOCX, 173.24 KB) – accessible version
Fare calculation devices
The Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Regulation 2017 contains new rules for fare calculation devices (or meters) used in taxis vehicle in NSW.
See Part 2, Division 3, Clause 14 of the Point to Point (Taxi & Hire Vehicles) Regulations 2017 as in force on 1 November 2017.
Taxi and hire vehicle booked fares
The rules for point to point transport changed on 1 November 2017.
Under the new rules, the fares for booked taxi services are no longer regulated by the government meaning all booking service providers can set their own fares based on the service they provide and offer discounts or peak pricing at their discretion.
This change allows all booking service providers to be flexible in their pricing in a number of ways that can benefit the customer and gives you the opportunity to compare fares between different service providers.
It is possible you might now notice some fluctuation in the fares on offer across the booked point-to-point transport market. As an example of the variability in pricing, service providers may offer loyalty or ‘frequent rider’ discounts or set fixed fares for certain trips, such as from the CBD to the airport.
Get an upfront fare estimate
All point-to-point transport booking service providers must now provide you with an upfront fare estimate before your journey begins. This will make it easier for you to shop around to get a good service that suits you.
A booking service provider may provide the fare estimate based on:
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the distance of the trip
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the time the trip is likely to take
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a set amount that will be charged for the journey
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or a combination of means such as rates per time and distance.
Fare estimates must also include information about how the fare may be varied in relation to the amount and how the variation is calculated.
The trip cannot start until you have agreed on the estimated fare.
Passenger Service Levy
From 1 February 2018, all point-to-point transport service providers needs to pay a temporary $1 Passenger Service Levy on all trips (including taxi, hire car, and rideshare) taken in NSW.
Service providers can absorb the cost of the levy or pass it on to you. If the levy is passed on, GST is payable and $1.10 will be added to your fare. Find out more.
Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme customers
For Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) customers, booked fares will remain regulated. A fare calculation device must be used for all TTSS journeys, and the fare charged must be no more than the regulated maximum set by Transport for NSW.