A hygiene training course for taxi and personalised transport drivers was launched today to ensure drivers understand and use hygiene best practises during the COVID-19 crisis.

TAA and driver professional development provider, DRVR Training, have partnered to ensure drivers and operators are up to speed on cleaning and sanitising requirements and standards needed to keep drivers and passengers safe.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a huge impact on the travel industry all around Australia. Due to strict Government restrictions, the CPV industry is now restricted from international pick ups and there is little to no domestic flights nationally. The TAA is working with state and federal governments for support packages for the personalised transport industry.

Transport Alliance Australia's Victorian team joined the latest video conference meeting with Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria (CPVV), where it was established what the industry’s current essential services are, what CPVV is actively doing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and assist industry stakeholders, and some questions that need clarification.

Essential services at this stage are Public Transport (including CPVs), Vehicle Testers and Driving Instructors.

Below is a letter sent to the Queensland Premier from the chairperson of the Limo Action Group QLD.

Dear Premier,

The Limousine Industry in QLD request urgent relief and support. Limousine and luxury transport operators and drivers are still recovering from the disruption of their industry due to introduction of ride share and are now suffering greatly due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Transport Alliance Australia (TAA) president André Baruch has criticised the commercial passenger vehicle regulators decision to allow Uber to trial the multi purpose taxi program (MPTP) in Geelong, saying it puts our most vulnerable citizens in danger.

The MPTP provides subsidised taxi trips for people with disability and has been confined to the taxi industry until now, but Mr Baruch says rideshare operators don’t have safety measures in place to keep passengers safe.