Drivers and Operators Training Programs

2.

Course Description

This course is designed to educate and train SYD CABS drivers to deliver exceptional service within the NSW taxi industry. The course is compulsory for both new and existing drivers to ensure compliance with Point to Point Transport industry requirements. It focuses on driver professionalism, customer service excellence, and ongoing training to maintain high standards across the industry.

3.

Drivers Obligations

Taxi Driver Obligations & Guidelines

As a driver for SYD CABS, you are required to adhere to the following obligations to ensure safety, compliance, and professional service.

3.1. Taxi Zones
You may only stop in a non-taxi zone if you are:
  -Hired (carrying a passenger).
 - Marked as 'Not Available for Hire'.
- Loading or unloading luggage or goods.
 - Actively picking up or dropping off a passenger.

Note: You must not stop in a taxi zone if your taxi is hired or vacant (available for hire). 

3.2. Vehicle Equipment
You must not interfere with, or allow anyone else to interfere with, any taxi equipment, including silicon on cable installed by SYD CABS staff, including:

-Fare Calculation Device (Meter)Android/Smartmove Device (Do not unscrew the tablet metal strip)

- In-vehicle Camera
- Turn off the GPS
 -Duress Alarm

3.3.Accepting or Refusing a Hire

You must accept a hiring immediately when your taxi is available. You may only refuse a hire under the following specific conditions:

-Road Rules: Accepting the hire would breach the Road Rules 2014.
-Ending Your Shift: You are en route to your final destination to end your shift, and the passenger's destination is not on the way.

-Example: If you are hailed while driving east to finish your shift, you may refuse a fare going west. If the passenger is also going east, you must accept.

Note: This does not apply if you are waiting in a signed taxi rank (taxi zone). In a rank, you must be available for hire and accept all hirings.

-Passenger Conduct: The passenger is smoking or drinking alcohol and refuses to stop, or is likely to damage the taxi, cause a nuisance, or compromise the safety or comfort of others.
-Child Safety: A passenger is under one year old and no one has an appropriate child restraint.
-Non-Payment: The passenger cannot pay the fare when requested, or for a pre-paid fare, fails to pay the agreed deposit.

3.4.Driver Identification
You must clearly display your official driver identity document at all times while working.

3.5. Using the Fare Meter
- For a metered hire, you must start the fare calculation device (meter) as soon as the hire begins.

Note: You can not say to customer that your meter is malfunctioning and pay me cash. You need to remove yourself from hiring, or any rank, including T1/T2/T3
-The meter must run for the duration of the hire.
-You must stop the meter once the hiring ends, or if the taxi is delayed due to a fuel shortage or any other reason within your control.

3.6. Fares & Payments
-Maximum Fare: You must not charge more than the maximum fare set by the Transport for NSW Fares Order for rank and hail services, unless the destination is outside the taxi's area of operation.
-Multiple Hirings: During a multiple hire, you must stop the meter while a passenger is paying and exiting the taxi.
-Deposits: You may request a deposit before or during a hire. The deposit must not exceed your estimate of the authorised fare. You must provide a receipt if requested and refund any amount over the final fare at the end of the journey.
-Maxi Taxi Surcharge: A higher fare (up to 150% of the standard fare) is only permitted for a maxi taxi carrying five or more passengers for a rank or hail service. This is a legal requirement under the Fares Order.

4.

Operator's Obligations:

Network Rules By-Laws (NSW)

SYD CABS Taxi Network:

Operator Rules

1. Application & Amendment

1.1 Application. These Rules apply to all Operators (Taxi Owners) affiliated with the SYD CABS network.

1.2 Acceptance.  An Operator agrees to be bound by these Rules by remaining affiliated with, or representing to others that they are affiliated with, the Network.

1.3 Relationship. These Rules do not create a relationship of employment, agency, or service contract between the Operator and the Network.

1.4 Amendment. The Network may amend these Rules at its discretion by providing reasonable notice to Operators. By continuing affiliation after such notice, an Operator agrees to be bound by the amendments.

2. Operator Obligations & Standards

Before bailing a taxi to a Driver, an Operator must ensure the following:

2.1 Vehicle Compliance. The taxi must:
(a) Hold a valid NSW taxi licence.
(b) Be covered by compulsory third-party (green slip) insurance and third-party property damage insurance of at least $5,000,000.
(c) Be roadworthy and maintained in accordance with all Relevant Laws and the Network’s Vehicle Maintenance Policy.
(d) Have valid taxi licence plates and be marked exclusively with the Network’s approved livery and phone number.
(e) Be clean, tidy, and in good working order.

2.2 Mandatory Equipment. The taxi must be fitted with the following fully functional and compliant equipment:
(a) A fare calculation device (Meter).
(b) A security camera system.
(c) A tracking device (GPS) and duress alarm.
(d) An M13 alarm switch and an interior boot lock/release.
(e) A compliant communication device.

2.3 Driver Compliance. An Operator must not bail a taxi to a Driver unless the Driver:
(a) Has a valid NSW driver’s licence and a valid Driver Accreditation.
(b) Is a party to a valid Bailment Agreement with the Operator and a Driver Service Agreement with the Network.
(c) Has successfully completed all required Network training (on-boarding, safety, anti-discrimination, etc.).

2.4 Prohibited Drivers.  An Operator must not bail a taxi to a Driver if they are aware, or should reasonably be aware, that the Driver:
(a) Is fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or has a suspended/cancelled licence.
(b) Has been charged with or convicted of a relevant offence.
(c) Has breached any relevant agreement, policy, or law, including the Bailment Agreement, Driver Service Agreement, or Network Policies.
(d) Has failed to report a serious incident as required.

2.5 Insurance. The Operator must hold a valid policy of third-party property damage insurance to the value of at least $5,000,000
covering against liability in respect of damage to third-party property caused by or arising out of the use of the taxi

3. Operational & Financial Duties

3.1 Incident Reporting. An Operator must notify the Network immediately upon becoming aware of any serious incident as outlined in Rule 2.4(d).

3.2 Fee Payment.  An Operator must pay all fees, levies (including the Passenger Service Levy), and other monies due to the Network on or before the due date and in the manner directed.

3.3 Record Keeping.  An Operator must keep all records required by the Network (e.g., for the Passenger Service Levy or SERR regime) and provide them immediately upon request.

3.4 Compliance. An Operator must:
(a) Hold a valid Operator accreditation at all times.
(b) Comply with all Relevant Laws and Network Policies.
(c) Undertake any required training and ensure their Drivers do the same, at the Operator's or Driver's cost.
(d) Abide by the Cabcharge Code of Conduct if a Cabcharge terminal is supplied.

3.5 Inspections.  At the Network’s request, the Operator must, at their own cost, make the taxi available for inspection and provide any information regarding compliance.

4. Non-Network Services

4.1 Restriction.  An Operator must not bail a taxi to a Driver who is likely to use their position to advertise or provide Non-Network Services without prior written notification to the Network and the Operator.

4.2 Notification & Reporting.  For any Non-Network Services provided, the Operator must ensure the Driver:
(a) Takes steps to ensure the passenger understands the service is not affiliated with SYD CABS.
(b) Provides written notice to the Network and Operator within 48 hours with details of the fare, the passenger service provider, and other requested information.

4.3 Levies and Indemnity.  The Operator must ensure all applicable levies and charges are paid for Non-Network Services and indemnifies the Network against any claims or losses arising from a breach of this section.

5. Breach of Rules & Discipline

5.1 Reporting Breaches.  An Operator must report any breach of these Rules to the Complaints Officer as soon as practicable, using the Breach Form (available at www.SYDCABS.au). Breaches posing a health or safety risk must be reported immediately by phone.

5.2 Disciplinary Process.
(a) The Complaints Officer will assess the breach.
(b) For minor, substantiated breaches, the Network may impose a Minor Offence Penalty directly.
(c) For more serious allegations, a Disciplinary Committee will be formed. The Operator will receive written notice of the charge and is entitled to attend a hearing, be represented, and present evidence.
(d) If found guilty, the Disciplinary Committee may impose Minor or Major Offence Penalties.

5.3 Penalties.  Penalties are categorised as follows:
Minor Offence Penalties: Suspension (≤24 hrs), fine (≤$100), fare repayment (≤$300), or a warning.
Major Offence Penalties: Suspension (>24 hrs), fine (>$100), fare repayment (>$300), or expulsion.

5.4 Appeals.
(a) There is no right of appeal against a Minor Offence Penalty.
(b) A Major Offence Penalty may be appealed to an Appeals Committee by providing written notice and a fee (not exceeding $250, refundable if successful) within 7 days. The Appeals Committee's decision is final.

5.5 Stand Down.  The Network may immediately stand down an Operator by temporary cancellation of accreditation if there is a reasonable belief of a serious breach that poses an immediate and serious risk to health and safety.

6. General Provisions

6.1 Records & Disclosure. The Network will keep records of complaints and breaches for at least 7 years and may disclose this information to the Point-to-Point Commissioner or other relevant persons. The Operator consents to such disclosure.

6.2 Notices.  Notices under these Rules must be in writing and are deemed received: upon hand delivery; 3 days after posting (within Australia); or 12 hours after sending by email (if no delivery failure is received).

7. Definitions

The definitions provided in the original document (Rule 16 and the Network definition) are incorporated here by reference. Key terms include Act, Regulation, Relevant Laws, Network Policies, Operator, Driver, Passenger Service Levy, Major/Minor Offence Penalties, Suspension, and Non-Network Services.

Network means W EATS PTY LTD T/A SYD CABS Taxi Network.

-Schedule 1 – Driver Version Form
The incident/breach Form is available online at:  www.SYDCABS.au/incident reports/Driver version form

5.

What is Sydney Airport Taxi Fare Trial and when it starts?

Sydney Airport Fixed Taxi Fare Trial. The NSW Government is trialing fixed fares for taxi trips from Sydney Airport to the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), for 18 months from 3 November 2025 to 2 May 2027. Taxis conducting passenger services from taxi ranks at T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals to Sydney CBD must only charge the maximum fixed fare set out in the Point to Point Transport (Fares) Order 2025 (no. 2) (Fares Order 2025). For trips to all other destinations, the maximum fares set out in the Fares Order 2025 apply. These guidelines set out the trial conditions and operating requirements for taxi service providers, affiliated providers, taxi licence holders and drivers relating to services offered from Sydney
Airport to the CBD. This includes the geographical boundaries of the trial area, fixed fare amounts, information to be displayed inside taxis, and rules relating to fare calculation devices (meters). The Point to Point Transport Commissioner will monitor service provider and driver compliance with the trial, including through vehicle inspections, covert plain clothes operations, audits and investigations. Complaints lodged with the Taxi Fare Hotline will also be monitored.

Sydney Airport – Sydney CBD Trial Area The ‘Sydney Airport Fixed Taxi Fare Trial Area’ (CBD Trial Area) includes all trips departing from the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals’ taxi ranks to the Sydney CBD as defined below.

The area within the City of Sydney bounded by the Harbour from Murray Street, Pyrmont Bay, in the West to the  Royal Botanic Gardens in the North and East, then along Lincoln Crescent, Cowper Wharf Roadway, Sir John Young Crescent, Riley Street, William Street, College Street, Wentworth Avenue, Elizabeth Street, Chalmers Street, Devonshire Street Tunnel, Lee Street, Regent Street, Harris Street, Allen Street and Murray Street in the west, returning to the waterfront at Pyrmont Bay as shown in the map below.
Note: For boundary roads, both sides of the road are included in the trial area

How much are the fixed fares/Maximum fares payable after 3 Nov 2025?

Fixed fares / maximum fares payable
The following maximum fares apply for rank and hail, single uninterrupted journeys from Sydney Airport to locations within the CBD Trial Area (as defined above):
• $60 for standard taxis, including wheelchair accessible taxis.
• $80 for maxi-cabs (if there are 5 or more passengers, or the maxi-cab is requested by the hirer at any of the Sydney Airport taxi ranks, other than for the carriage of a person who requires a wheelchair accessible service). Note, the ‘hirer’ can only be the passenger.
• No other charges may be added to the fares set out above, other than a non-cash payment surcharge or a cleaning fee in accordance with the Fares Order 2025.
• Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme dockets can be used with these fixed fares, where applicable.

As a Taxi Driver, do I need to check where that information should display for passengers after 3 Nov 2025?

SYD CABS will provide you with a new fare structure. As an operator/Driver, it is your responsibility to collect the fare label from the Base or from our nominated personnel at Sydney Airport.

Please note:
Operating without a fixed fare label will render your taxi non-compliant, and your meter access/Driver authority will be immediately denied/suspended if you are found driving without the fixed fare label.

Point to point transport law requires that the fares for journeys and any additional tolls, fees, or charges that may be payable must be clearly displayed inside taxis that stand or ply for hire.

• On meters to show fixed fares
•  Copies of the fare structure are available to customers on request
• Display the additional fixed fare structure in taxi vehicles (as provided below), on the back

Where should my meter position and should I remove it from the taxi or not?

Any SYD CABS taxi that plies or stands for hire (rank or hail) must be fitted with a meter which accurately calculates and displays the fare and front-facing. SYD CABS  meter must be visible to all passengers in the vehicle. Your SYD CABS(Smartmove) meter is programmed accordingly, which allows the charging of the applicable fixed fares from Sydney Airport to locations within the CBD Trial Area.

Note: Standard taxis should be programmed with only the $60 maximum fixed fare, and maxi-cabs with both the $60 and $80 maximum fixed fares.

The taxi's meter must:
• display the fare, (including if applicable any cleaning fees), in numerals and in Australian dollars
• always display the fare and other charges clearly for all passengers in the taxi
• at all times accurately calculate the fare according to the authorised fare (Fares Order 2025)
• not be able to be tampered with or vandalised.
• be in working order
• be securely placed and mounted so there is no risk of injury to passengers or the driver
• also be used to calculate distance-based fares which will apply, in the unlikely event, that a fixed fare trip ends before reaching, or outside the CBD Trial Area.

Note: Drivers cannot ask for extras, tolls, or wait time during the fixed fare trial. If you are involved, we will take disciplinary action against you according to the Point to Point Fare hotline guidelines.

SYD CABS' responsibility during Fixed Fare Trial?

• We will monitor your behaviour and the number of compalints, including overcharge, driving attitude and your attire while using the taxi service
• Train drivers and Operators on their obligations associated with SYD CABS and the Sydney Airport Fixed Fares
  Trial in particular:
  o the boundaries of the CBD Trial Area,(represented in the Map) If needed we will make video for that boundries)
  o fixed fare options on the meter
  o permitted fixed fare amounts
  o how to operate the meter if the passenger changes the destination to an area outside of the CBD Trial Area mid journey.
  o To ensure that our meter is compliant according to the Point to Point instructions. 

SYD CABS' driver obligations?

Always use the meter for rank and hail trips. (Do not jump in a rank or pickup hail Jobs if the meter got a shift restriction, meter suspended by SYD CABS due to accounts or compliance issues.)
• know the boundaries of the CBD Trial Area
• only charge passengers the fixed fare in accordance with the Fares Order 2025
• not try to negotiate a fare or demand the passenger pay more than the fixed fare in accordance with the Fares Order 2025
• not refuse a fare based on a passenger’s destination
• start the meter when the taxi is hired, not before
• keep the meter running throughout the entire trip unless stopping for fuel, or due to an accident or mechanical fault
• ensure that the meter's display can always be clearly seen by all passengers in the taxi, that is:
o their view must not be blocked( do not put your water bottle, coffee cups, etc.)
o the meter must not be in sleep mode
o The meter must not be placed where the passenger cannot see the fare.
• for wheelchair accessible taxis, ensure that passengers using a wheelchair are safely loaded and secured before starting the meter

• follow SYD CABS's policies and procedures, including those relating to the Sydney Airport Fixed Fare Trial
• not pick up passengers from Sydney Airport unless the taxi’s meter can comply with the fixed fares
• assist with any investigation or actions taken by SYD CABS in relation to alleged non-compliance.

6.

Meter Training on a fixed area.

This is very important that driver must know how to Operate the meter while on fixed trail. 

For Standard taxi(s) and Maxi Taxi(s)

If a driver is at SYD airport (or a defined Zone) and engages the meter they will automatically be asked if they're travelling to the CBD. If their answer is 'yes', then the fare will be fixed according to the fixed trial:

As you can see in the picture.

Note: Standard taxi(s) will have only one option.  The above options for Maxi(s). Standard taxi(s) can only select $60 Option in the meter.

 

 

Action needed to Existing application! If this is not done we will suspend the meter until fix!

Please see the attached picture and summary what to do with the meter in fixed trial.

Each driver and Operator must pass this quiz. 

Select YES/True for correct information and No/False/Make a correct choice if wrong information

Driver Consent

Watch the Refresher video training