Prepaid taxi fares trial on the Central Coast

The NSW Government is conducting a 12 month pre-paid taxi fares trial on the Central Coast. The trial commences on 28 November 2011.

The trial is limited to taxis connected to Combined District Radio Cabs Pty Ltd, trading as Central Coast Taxis.

Before the trip begins

A taxi driver may request the passenger to pay the estimated fare before the commencement of the journey.

The taxi driver will estimate how much the fare will cost at the start of the trip, using an authorised fare estimator carried in the taxi.

Estimated fares are:

• schedule of estimated fares for a standard taxi (pdf 26KB)
• schedule of estimated fares for a maxi - cab (pdf 28KB)

The passenger must pay a deposit if asked by the driver. If they do not pay the deposit when asked, the driver can refuse to carry them. When the passenger pays the deposit, the driver will give them a prepaid taxi fare receipt (pdf 50KB) for the deposit paid. The driver must still turn on the taxi meter.

At the end of the trip

The taxi meter displays the authorised fare, inclusive of flag fall, and late night surcharge if applicable.

If the final taxi meter reading plus any tolls or booking fees is less than the prepaid deposit, then the driver must refund the difference to the passenger.

If the total taxi fare is more than the prepaid deposit, then the passenger must pay the balance to the driver.

The driver will then give the passenger a receipt showing whether they paid an additional amount or provided the passenger with a partial refund.

The passenger can pay by Cabcharge, EFTPOS or credit card and a surcharge may apply.More information about the credit provider surcharge is at Maximum taxi fares and charges.

More information

View frequently asked questions and prepaid poster (pdf 97KB).

If you encounter any problems or wish to provide comment on the trial you can do this by phoning the Taxi Customer Feedback Line on 1800 648 478 or sending an email to centralcoastprepaidfares@transport.nsw.gov.au.