Uber and other ride share providers have boomed in recent years, but are they really better than the traditional taxi?
The Weekender put taxis to the test over the last two weeks to discover if tradition still tops the transport pile.
The first two taxis we caught were simple and had no problems: the driver used the meter and took me the short distances I wanted to go.
The next time we tried to book a taxi to go another short distance, it got cancelled after the driver had accepted the fare.
We tried ringing a few more local taxi services before one confirmed a taxi would pick us up within 10 minutes, but 30 minutes later, we were still waiting.
I called to get an update on where the taxi was and was told that they were struggling to find a driver to accept my fare.
We ended up getting an Uber back to the office – without any hassle.
The next week, we went to Penrith Station and asked to go the short distance of less than two kilometres to Nepean Hospital in Kingswood.
The first taxi driver we approached at the rank said no, and told us to ask a different driver.
The next driver accepted my request but when we got in the car, asked for a flat payment of $15 and to not use the meter.
These particular practices are illegal, and Transport Minister Jo Haylen recently announced a crackdown.
“While the vast majority of drivers do the right thing, we know some of them are on the naughty list this Christmas. But it won’t be coal in the stocking, it’ll be two strikes and you’re out of the industry,” Haylen said.
“We’re sending a strong message to the minority of rogue drivers that if they continue overcharging, not using the meter or refusing fares they now risk being kicked out of the industry.”
Next, we went to Kingswood Station where there were no taxis waiting at the rank.
We tried to call one online where our request was accepted but again later cancelled, the five kilometre trip back to our office obviously not enticing.
In total, we had two rides with no issues, two cancelled trips, two denials and one who didn’t use the meter.
Over the last two years, around 900 fines have been issued to taxi drivers through both covert plain clothes operations and highly visible compliance activities.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.