NSW: Survey shows taxi drivers want 20 per cent Olympic tariff

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2000
NSW: Survey shows taxi drivers want 20 per cent Olympic tariff

Taxi passengers are likely to be slugged with an increased daytime tariff from September
1 for up to two months as part of an Olympic claim on behalf of taxi drivers.

Two separate allowances were lodged last week on behalf of drivers - an additional
$5 flagfall on passengers, or a 20 per cent tariff on all fares in the Sydney metropolitan
area from September 1 to October 31.

The Transport Workers Union, which has proposed the additional $5 flagfall, has surveyed
taxi drivers over the past three days asking which surcharge they would prefer to slug
passengers with during the Games' period.

A spokesman says drivers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of the 20 per cent tariff.

The New South Wales Taxi Council, which proposed the tariff, wants the existing 20
per cent overnight rate on all fares 24 hours a day in the lead up to the Olympics and
during the Paralympics.

The TWU is expected to meet with the Taxi Council today about the tariff option, and
both parties are likely to seek a meeting with Transport Minister CARL SCULLY to approve
the extra charge.

AAP RTV nd/sal/gp/jn

KEYWORD: OLY TAXIS (SYDNEY)

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