Update on the month that was!

It's been another busy month for us at Transport Alliance Australia.  We have been reading, writing, talking and listening.
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We have written a submission to the Essential Services Commission Unbooked Taxi Fare Review, and you can read a summary on the previous pages in this edition of DRIVE A2B. 

Every week we attend CPVV's COVID-19 Industry Update online video meetings.  It is at these meetings that we are able to keep abreast of the initiatives that CPVV are undertaking and also ask relevant COVID-19 questions.

Victoria's Commercial Passenger Vehicles (CPV) have been the source of transportation for people who have recently returned to Victoria and been placed in 14-day quarantine, and CPVs have been taking them to their next destinations. 

Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR), which co-ordinates these trips, is most impressed with all drivers and vehicles - with their attitude, attentiveness and cleanliness.  Well done!  This certainly goes a long way in building community confidence in Victoria's CPVs.

Many business entities have approached the CPVV in recent months with regards to processing MPTP transactions without using a Cabcharge Eftpos terminal.  At this stage there are still only two accredited providers, Cabcharge and Oiii, but watch this space and we will keep you informed as to who else you can "work with" to process your MPTP fares.

OBEY THE RULES

We may be in lockdown but that does not stop anyone from obeying the rules and regulations of the industry.

You must keep your car in a good roadworthy condition, ensuring that everything
is safe for you and your passengers.  You must also adhere to the rules regarding signage both inside and outside of your vehicle.

CPVV have advised that there is fraud happening André Baruch President Transport Alliance Australia with MPTP transactions.  Apparently there are some instances where MPTP cards are being used for non- approved purposes/travel. Drivers - you know the rules and please try to ensure that you and your passengers are following them.

Reminder that your Fare Compliant device (previously known as a meter) must be updated to calculate tolls.  The deadline for this was 1 May 2020.

Some industry entities/ vehicles have been granted an extension, as they have other things in place that will make the current meters obsolete in their vehicles.  If you haven’t updated your meter and you haven’t received an extension from the CPVV then you MUST install an updated Fare Compliant device TODAY! 

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MELBOURNE AIRPORT

We have also received an update from Melbourne Airport.  During the COVID-19 lockdown the following applies:-

For Hire Cars

1. Parking is complimentary
2. LDA / LVAs' expiry dates are being extended, and no renewal charges are being issued

For Taxis

1. Queueing for the terminal ranks, $3 is charged against the vehicle's e-TAG (as this is passed onto the passenger)
2. Pre-booked pickup - Parking is complimentary.
   
   

WELL DONE, ROD BARTON

I wish to take this opportunity to formally congratulate our immediate past-President, Rod Barton, MP for securing a seat on the Commercial Passenger Vehicle COVID-19 Advisory Panel.  This is no mean feat and I know he will do us, the industry and himself proud with his interaction, ideas and outcomes from being a part of this Advisory Panel.

Best wishes, stay strong, stay safe and stay sane.