Your Guide to NSW Taxi Subsidies

While our focus is typically on the intricacies of taxi travel within the United Kingdom, the information provided for this article pertains specifically to the New South Wales (NSW) region of Australia. This guide aims to shed light on key aspects of the NSW taxi system, particularly regarding subsidised fares and pre-payment schemes, which may offer valuable insights into how such systems operate internationally. For those travelling or residing in NSW, understanding these regulations is paramount for a smooth and efficient taxi experience.

Understanding Pre-Paid Fares in NSW

A notable feature of the taxi service in NSW is the pre-paid taxi fares scheme. This initiative has been implemented with a dual purpose: to foster a safer working environment for taxi drivers and to curb the issue of fare evasion. It's crucial to understand that this scheme doesn't mandate pre-payment for every taxi journey in NSW. Instead, it grants taxi drivers across the state the discretion to request an upfront payment.

Should your driver exercise this discretion and ask for pre-payment, you are obliged to pay your estimated fare upfront. Any balance or refund will then be settled at the conclusion of your journey. Drivers are expected to apply this request fairly, equitably, and without discrimination. The underlying principle is to mitigate the risk of fare evasion and to protect drivers from potential disputes or non-payment at the end of a trip. It's also important to note that if a passenger declines to pre-pay when requested, the driver is not under obligation to undertake the journey.

The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) in NSW

Beyond standard fare practices, New South Wales operates the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS), a vital programme designed to assist eligible individuals with their taxi fares. This scheme provides a substantial subsidy, covering up to half of the metered fare, with a maximum subsidy of $60 per trip. To illustrate, if your metered fare amounts to $80, the TTSS will deduct $40, leaving you to pay the remaining $40. Should your fare be higher, for instance, $140, the maximum $60 subsidy would be applied, meaning you would cover $80 yourself.

Upon approval for the TTSS, participants receive a TTSS Smartcard along with backup paper travel dockets. The Smartcard is the primary method for claiming the subsidy. When using a taxi equipped with a Cabcharge payment terminal, you simply tap your TTSS Smartcard on the device. The system automatically registers your eligibility and deducts the subsidised portion from your total fare. The remaining amount can then be paid using cash or another card. It's important to remember that only one claim can be made per trip.

Using the TTSS Smartcard and Payment Terminals

For drivers, operating the TTSS Smartcard system is straightforward yet requires adherence to specific protocols. When logging into a Cabcharge payment terminal, the driver must enter their driver's licence number as their unique driver ID. A trip cannot be processed if this information is missing. To apply the TTSS subsidy, the driver selects ‘TTSS’ on their payment terminal, and either the passenger or the driver taps the Smartcard on the device to deduct the TTSS component of the fare. The participant then pays the remaining portion.

The Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Incentive Subsidy (WATDIS)

An additional layer of support within the NSW taxi system is the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Incentive Subsidy (WATDIS). This subsidy is specifically allocated to drivers operating wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs) when transporting TTSS participants who have been approved for wheelchair travel. This incentive encourages the provision of accessible transport services, ensuring greater mobility for individuals with specific needs.

The TTSS Smartcard indicates eligibility for this subsidy through specific codes: ‘M40’ signifies a standard taxi user, while ‘M50’ denotes a participant approved for wheelchair accessible taxi travel. If an M50 participant is being transported, the WATDIS is automatically added to the trip electronically and will appear on the receipt as a ‘WAT count’. Transport for NSW processes these WATDIS payments upon validating that the vehicle used was indeed a wheelchair accessible taxi.

WATDIS Rates Breakdown

The WATDIS rates are designed to provide fair compensation for drivers, varying by time of day and public holidays. Current rates are:

• $25 (excl. GST) for standard day rates.
• $30 (excl. GST) for night rates (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM), excluding public holidays.
• A flat public holiday rate of $50 (excl. GST) applies on the 11 public holidays listed under the Public Holidays Act 2010.

For a detailed breakdown of these rates by day and time, please refer to the table below:

Managing TTSS Smartcards: Common Scenarios

Like any technological system, the TTSS Smartcard system accounts for various contingencies to ensure continuity of service.

Faulty Smartcards or Terminal Outages

In the rare event of a payment terminal outage or a faulty Smartcard, drivers have the option to use a TTSS Emergency Docket. These dockets are strictly for limited circumstances, and comprehensive instructions are provided in the 'TTSS Smartcard – Guide for taxi service providers and drivers' document. Original, completed Emergency Dockets must be mailed to Transport for NSW.

Expired Smartcards

TTSS Smartcards are valid for three years, with the expiry date clearly printed on the front. The card ceases to be valid on the final day of the month indicated. An expired card will not function when tapped or inserted into a payment terminal and should not be accepted by drivers. Participants whose cards have expired are required to pay the full fare until they receive their replacement card.

Lost Smartcards

If a driver discovers a TTSS Smartcard, whether in their vehicle or elsewhere, they should endeavour to return it to the cardholder, typically by contacting their taxi network. Alternatively, it can be posted to the address on the back of the card or reported as lost by calling 131 500.

Participants Without Smartcards and Non-Compatible Terminals

For participants awaiting their TTSS Smartcard, it has been advised that they can continue to utilise paper dockets for their subsidised travel until their new Smartcard arrives. In situations where a taxi's payment terminal is not configured to accept the TTSS Smartcard, participants can revert to using a TTSS paper travel docket to claim their subsidy.

Interstate Travel with TTSS

The TTSS Smartcard is specifically designed for taxi trips within New South Wales. It cannot be used for travel in other Australian states or territories. NSW TTSS participants who travel interstate will need to use their paper interstate travel dockets for subsidised taxi journeys in those other jurisdictions.

Conversely, visitors to NSW who are participants in similar subsidised taxi schemes from other states can use their interstate dockets to claim a subsidised trip within NSW. The subsidy applied will mirror the amount applicable in their home jurisdiction. Instructions on how to apply this interstate subsidy will be provided to drivers on the interstate docket itself. These interstate dockets are processed through the same system as standard NSW TTSS dockets. It is important to note, however, that WATDIS payments do not apply to trips processed using interstate dockets.

TTSS Participants Travelling Together

When multiple TTSS participants share a single taxi ride, a specific protocol ensures the correct application of subsidies. For any given trip, one participant can use either their Smartcard or a paper docket (if a Cabcharge terminal is unavailable) to deduct the TTSS subsidy component of the fare. If applicable, the WATDIS payment will also be recorded for that trip. The remaining portion of the fare can then be divided amongst all participants.

A specific scenario arises when multiple M50 cardholders (those approved for wheelchair accessible taxi travel) are sharing a maxi-cab. While only one participant can claim the primary TTSS subsidy per trip, the driver is eligible to claim the WATDIS for each eligible M50 passenger. This is facilitated by selecting the ‘CLAIM MULTIPLE WATDIS’ option on their EFTPOS machine, allowing each M50 participant to tap their Smartcard to record their individual WATDIS claim for that journey. If using dockets for multiple WATDIS claims, one docket should be completed with the details of any one participant, marking the ‘TTSS Participants Travelling Together’ and ‘WAT Incentive Claim’ boxes, and then recording the details of the additional eligible M50 participants on the back of that same docket.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a TTSS voucher when booking a taxi in NSW?

No, not necessarily. The TTSS Smartcard or paper docket is primarily used to claim the subsidy portion of your fare once the trip is underway or completed, via a payment terminal. It's not typically a 'voucher' required at the point of booking in the traditional sense, unless you are discussing your eligibility for the subsidy with the booking agent. However, drivers in NSW may ask for a pre-payment of the estimated fare, regardless of whether you are a TTSS participant. This is a separate scheme designed to prevent fare evasion. Your TTSS Smartcard or docket comes into play when the fare is processed to apply your subsidy.

What is the maximum subsidy I can receive per trip under the TTSS?

The TTSS provides a subsidy of up to half the metered fare, with a maximum deduction of $60 per trip. So, regardless of how high the fare goes, the maximum amount the scheme will contribute is $60.

Can I use my TTSS Smartcard for taxi trips outside of New South Wales?

No, the TTSS Smartcard is valid only for taxi trips within New South Wales. For travel in other Australian states or territories, NSW TTSS participants must use their designated paper interstate travel dockets. Similarly, visitors to NSW from other states can use their home jurisdiction's interstate dockets within NSW, but the WATDIS payment does not apply to these interstate docket trips.

What should I do if my TTSS Smartcard is lost, faulty, or expired?

If your Smartcard is lost, it should be reported to your taxi network or by calling 131 500. Drivers finding lost cards should return them. If your card is faulty or expired (valid for three years), it will not work, and you will need to pay the full fare until a replacement is received. In specific limited circumstances like terminal outages or faulty cards, drivers might use TTSS Emergency Dockets. Participants awaiting a new Smartcard can continue using backup paper travel dockets.

How does the TTSS support disabled passengers using wheelchair accessible taxis?

The TTSS specifically supports disabled passengers through the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Driver Incentive Subsidy (WATDIS). If a TTSS participant is approved for wheelchair travel (indicated by an ‘M50’ code on their Smartcard) and uses a wheelchair accessible taxi, the driver receives an additional incentive. This subsidy is electronically added to the trip and helps ensure the availability of suitable transport for those with mobility needs. While the TTSS itself subsidises the passenger's fare, the WATDIS is a separate incentive for the driver.

Conclusion

Navigating the taxi system in New South Wales involves understanding several key schemes designed to ensure safety, fairness, and accessibility. From the pre-paid fare system aimed at reducing evasion to the comprehensive Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) and the supporting WATDIS for wheelchair accessible services, NSW has established a robust framework. Familiarity with these guidelines, particularly regarding Smartcard usage, dockets, and the specific application of subsidies, empowers both passengers and drivers for a smoother, more efficient, and inclusive journey within NSW.

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