Taxi licence determinations

Current taxi licence determination

On 30 March 2021, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) determined the number of taxi licences to be issued in the year commencing on 1 July 2021:

  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for Sydney (the Metropolitan Transport District)
  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for areas of NSW outside the Metropolitan Transport District.

Due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 TfNSW determined not to issue taxi licences at this time. The pandemic has had significant economic impacts as a result of travel restrictions, social distancing measures and periodic lockdowns. This has, in turn, had an impact on the point to point transport industry overall, including taxis, adversely impacting overall demand for services. The number of taxi licence plates on hold grew significantly in 2020.

The majority of submissions received throughout the stakeholder feedback process were also in favour of not releasing any further licences at this time due to insufficient demand.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year. TfNSW will continue to monitor the demand for taxi licences throughout the year to inform whether a further determination is warranted.

2020/21 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

On 30 March 2020, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) made a determination about the number of taxi licences to be issued in the year commencing on 1 July 2020:

  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for Sydney (the Metropolitan Transport District)
  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for areas of NSW outside the Metropolitan Transport District.

TfNSW considered Sydney and regional areas separately, which is appropriate considering the different operating environment and markets, and consistent with the approach taken by the Point to Point Transport Taskforce in its review of the point to point transport industry in 2015.

In December 2015, the NSW Government agreed with the Taskforce’s recommendation not to increase Sydney taxi licence numbers for at least four years, to help the industry adjust to new rideshare players entering the market. This does not include Wheelchair Accessible Taxi licences (WATs), which are available on application anywhere in the State. This four year commitment has expired.

Due to the already significant economic impacts of COVD-19 travel restrictions and social isolation measures, and the uncertainty of further impacts as the situation evolves, TfNSW considers it is not appropriate to issue additional taxi licences at this time.

A review of the point to point transport sector has also recently commenced. Terms of reference and further details of the review can be found at the link below.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year. This means TfNSW can determine that new licences should be issued if circumstances change. TfNSW will monitor the impact of COVD-19 travel restrictions and assess evidence gathered through the independent review to inform whether a further determination later in 2020 is warranted.

For the rest of NSW, Point to Point Transport legislation requires Transport for NSW to make a state-wide assessment of the number of taxi licences to be issued. 2018/19 was the first time a determination of licence numbers had been made for areas outside Sydney. Before that, licences outside of Sydney were available on application.

After deciding last year to issue zero licences in regional areas, TfNSW said it would monitor demand and welcomed feedback on whether new licences were needed. Some evidence of demand for licences has emerged in regional growth areas. However, the economic impacts of the summer bushfires, economic uncertainty associated with COVID-19 travel restrictions and the review of the point to point transport sector mean it is more appropriate to re-assess evidence of demand later in 2020 before determining if new taxi licences should be released.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year. This means TfNSW can determine that new licences should be issued if circumstances change. As for Sydney, TfNSW will monitor the impact of travel restrictions and the findings of the point to point review to inform if a further determination is warranted later in 2020.

Fringe licence category and 2020/21 Additional Taxi Licence Determination

On 1 December 2020, Transport for NSW made a determination to enable a Fringe – Helensburgh & Metropolitan taxi licence category to be established and made an additional taxi licence determination for three taxi licences to be issued under this licence category.

Three fringe area licences for the Helensburgh and the Metropolitan Transport District will expire on 9 December 2020. Transport for NSW considered it was appropriate to replace these licences.

Previous taxi licence determinations

2019/20 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

On 29 March 2019, Transport for NSW made a determination about the number of taxi licences to be issued in the year commencing on 1 July 2019:

  • 78 taxi licences to be issued for Sydney (the Metropolitan Transport District) to replace licences that have expired or have not been renewed;
  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for areas of NSW outside the Metropolitan Transport District.

TfNSW considered Sydney and regional areas separately, consistent with the approach taken by the Point to Point Transport Taskforce in its review of the point to point transport industry in 2015.

In December 2015, the NSW Government agreed with the Taskforce’s recommendation not to increase Sydney taxi licence numbers for at least four years, to help the industry adjust to new rideshare players entering the market.

This does not include Wheelchair Accessible Taxi licences (WATs), which are available on application anywhere in the State.

In keeping with this commitment, the 78 licences for Sydney will replace those which have either expired or not been renewed. The majority of licences not renewed since the 2018 licence determination were 174 Peak Availability Licences (PALs), which operate 70 per cent of the time compared to regular taxis. To maintain the size of the Sydney taxi fleet, non-renewed PALs have been replaced with full licences at a rate of 70 per cent (equivalent of 122 full licences). This helps achieve consistent taxi service availability for Sydney customers. Other than PALs (and WATs), there were 44 more licences in Sydney in February 2019 than in December 2015, following the release of replacement licences by tender in 2017 and 2018 (see previous taxi licence determinations, below). The 78 licences to be issued represent 70 per cent of the 174 PALs, less the 44 additional licences.

For the rest of NSW, new Point to Point Transport legislation requires Transport for NSW to make a state-wide assessment of the number of taxi licences to be issued. Last year was the first time a determination of licence numbers had been made for areas outside Sydney. Previously, licences outside of Sydney were available on application.

After deciding last year to issue zero licences in regional areas, TfNSW said it would monitor demand and welcomed feedback on whether new licences were needed. There is little evidence of increased demand, which is why TfNSW has again decided that no licences will be issued in areas of the State outside Sydney this year.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year. This means TfNSW can determine that new licences should be issued if circumstances change. TfNSW will monitor whether demand for new licences emerges and welcomes feedback from industry participants.

2019/20 Taxi Licence Annual Determination (PDF, 70.41 KB)

2018/19 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

In June 2017, the NSW Government asked the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to review the number of licences to be released outside of Sydney from 1 July 2018 and the maximum fares for rank and hail taxis to apply across the State. More information about the review can be found on IPART’s website.

On 23 March 2018, Transport for NSW made two determinations about the number of taxi licences to be issued in the year commencing on 1 July 2018:

  • 90 taxi licences to be issued for Sydney (the Metropolitan Transport District) to replace licences that have expired or have not been renewed;
  • Zero taxi licences to be issued for areas of NSW outside the Metropolitan Transport District.

TfNSW considered Sydney and regional areas separately, consistent with the approach taken by the Point to Point Transport Taskforce in its review of the point to point transport industry in 2015.

The NSW Government agreed with the Taskforce’s recommendation not to increase Sydney taxi licence numbers until at least the 2019/20 financial year, to help the industry adjust to new rideshare players entering the market.

In keeping with this commitment, the 90 licences for Sydney will replace those which have either expired or not been renewed and help to maintain the size of the Sydney fleet.  

For the rest of NSW, new Point to Point Transport legislation requires Transport for NSW to make a state-wide assessment of the number of taxi licences to be issued. Previously, licences outside of Sydney were available on application.

To help the industry to adjust to changes in the point to point transport industry, TfNSW has decided not to issue any licences in regional areas at this time.

Both determinations recognise that the taxi industry is going through a time of considerable change, adapting to a new regulatory regime under the P2P Act, and responding to competition from other point to point transport services.

TfNSW may make multiple determinations after making its first determination for a year. This means TfNSW can determine that new licences should be issued if circumstances change. TfNSW will monitor whether demand for new licences emerges and welcomes feedback from industry participants.

In addition to its recommendations about fares and licences for 2018-19, IPART recommended that from 1 July 2020, there should be no restrictions on the numbers of licences issued outside of Sydney, and these licences should be available on application for an administrative fee.

TfNSW notes it is not possible to give effect to this recommendation under the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicle) Act 2016.

Media release: First Taxi Licence Determinations under new Point to Point Transport Legislation

2017/18 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

Transport for NSW determined that 62 unrestricted taxi licences would be released in Sydney in the 2017/18 financial year to replace those that had not been renewed.

This was consistent with the recommendation of the Point to Point Transport Taskforce in November 2015 that there be no overall increase in the number of taxi licences in Sydney over a four-year period, excluding wheelchair accessible taxi licences. The Government accepted this recommendation noting that replacement licences may be issued.

The Point to Point Transport Commissioner  issued the licences under two separate sealed tender processes during 2017-18. The first tranche was released in November 2017 and the second in April 2018. Details about the tender processes are available at the Commissioner’s website.

2016/17 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

Prior the commencement of the Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act 2016 on 1 November 2017, the Passenger Transport Act 1990 required Transport for NSW to determine before 31 March each year the number of annual taxi licences to be released in Sydney. The Passenger Transport Act 1990 also allowed Transport for NSW to determine the maximum taxi fare that customers may be charged for NSW taxi services.

In making the determination for licences, Transport for NSW must considered factors outlined in s32C(3) of the Passenger Transport Act 1990 including:

  • Likely passenger demand and latent demand for taxi-cab services.
  • The performance of existing taxi-cab services.
  • The demand for new taxi-cab licences.
  • The viability and sustainability of the taxi-cab industry.
  • Any other matters Transport for NSW considers relevant, having regard to the objective of ensuring improved taxi-cab services.

Transport for NSW has announced no taxi licences would be released in the 2016/17 financial year.

A package of reforms to modernise the point to point transport industry and improve accessibility for all customers was announced on 17 December 2015. Considering the market is currently was in a state of transition, as well as the growth in alternative options for customers, no taxi licences will be released into the market for 2016/2017.

This decision balanced the needs of customers for affordable taxi services, and the needs of taxi drivers and operators.

2015/16 Annual Taxi Licence Determination

After considering IPART's advice, Transport for NSW announced a freeze on taxi fares for customers and that no new licences would be issued for Sydney in the 2015/16 financial year.

2015/16 Annual Taxi Licence Tender

2014/15 Annual Taxi Licence Determination and Releases

2013/14 Annual Taxi Licence Determination and Releases

2013/14 Annual Taxi Licence Release Determination

2013/14 Sydney Annual Taxi Licence Release - Tender Results

Tender No: RMS 13.2749.0852 – 65 unrestricted annual taxi licences

Tender No: RMS 13.2749.0853 – 283 peak availability annual taxi licences

Tender No: RMS 13.2749.0854 – 1 fringe area (Richmond/Windsor) annual taxi licence

2011/12 Annual Taxi Licence Determination and Release

2011/12 Annual Taxi Licence Release – Determination

2011/2012 Annual Taxi Licence Release – Tender Results

Tender No. TfNSW DOT2012/002 46 Peak Availability Licences – Driver Only

Tender No: 2011/007 - 69 unrestricted annual taxi licences available for eligible taxi drivers only to apply

The average licence fee for licences in this category was $32,443. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant – up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No: 2011/008 - 69 peak availability annual licences available for eligible taxi drivers only to apply

The average licence fee for licences in this category was $24,301. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant – up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Forty-six of the 69 Peak Availability Licences (Driver Only) were not issued and are the subject of tender no: TfNSW 2012/002

Tender No: 2011/009 - 60 unrestricted annual class licences available for anyone to apply

The average licence fee for licences in this category was $34,652. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant – up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No: 2011/010 - 25 peak availability annual class licences available for anyone to apply

The average licence fee for licences in this category was $26,786. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant – up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No: 2011/011 – 4 fringe area (Richmond Windsor) annual class licences available for anyone to apply

The average licence fee for licences in this category was $28,240. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant – up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

2010/11 Annual Taxi Licence Determination and Release

2010/11 Annual Taxi Licence Release - Determination

2010/11 annual taxi licence release - Stage 1 tender results

There was strong interest in the Stage 1 tenders with 1,801 applications received for 250 licences. Taxi drivers were particularly interested in obtaining a taxi licence, comprising 58 per cent of all applications and 47 per cent of all applications in the categories that were open to anyone to apply.

Tender No. 2010/006 - 96 unrestricted taxi licences

The average licence fee bid for licences in the Unrestricted category was $34,967 per annum. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant - up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No. 2010/010 - 90 unrestricted 'taxi driver only' taxi licences

The average licence fee bid for licences in the Taxi Driver Only category was $33,636 per annum. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant - up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No. 2010/012 - 61 peak availability taxi licences

The average licence fee bid for licences in the Peak Availability category was $25,994 per annum. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant - up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Tender No. 2010/013 - 3 fringe area (Helensburgh) taxi licences

The average licence fee bid for licences in the Fringe Area (Helensburgh) category was $2,002 per annum. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant - up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

2010/2011 annual taxi licence release – Stage 2 tender results

552 applications were received for the 66 licences. All the licences were open to anyone to apply.

Interim Issue of 100 New Unrestricted Annual Taxi Licences in Sydney

As an interim measure to get more taxis on the road as soon as possible, 100 new unrestricted annual taxi licences were tendered for operation in Sydney, prior to the first annual taxi licence issue which commenced from 1 July 2010.

There was strong interest in the licence tender, with 836 applications received, including 512 from taxi drivers, 130 from other individuals (including operators), 63 from taxi networks and 131 from other corporations (also including operators).

The average licence fee bid for the 100 unrestricted licences was $31,864 per annum. Licences may be renewed each year at the fee bid by the applicant - up to nine (9) times for a maximum of 10 years operation.

Some of the documents on this page do not comply with WCAG 2.0 accessibility requirements. If you are having difficulty accessing information please contact taxilicence@transport.nsw.gov.au.